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01-12-2019 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Original article

The role of zinc supplementation on the metallothionein system in children with autism spectrum disorder

Authors: Nagwa A. Meguid, Geir Bjørklund, Ola H. Gebril, Monica Daniela Doşa, Mona Anwar, Amal Elsaeid, Ahmad Gaber, Salvatore Chirumbolo

Published in: Acta Neurologica Belgica | Issue 4/2019

Abstract

The present research was carried out to elucidate the role of zinc (Zn) supplementation on the plasma concentration and gene expression, as well as the effects on cognitive-motor performance, in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study was performed on a cohort of 30 pediatric subjects with ASD, encompassing an age range of 3–8 years. The impact of Zn supplementation was investigated in 3 months (or 12 weeks) on the ASD children. Each daily dosage of Zn was calculated as being equal to the body weight in kg plus 15–20 mg. The effect of Zn was also evaluated on the serum level of metallothionein 1 (MT-1A), and the severity of autism via scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The effect of Zn was investigated on the gene expression of MT1-A before and after Zn supplementation. The data of the present study showed an increase in cognitive-motor performance and an increased serum metallothionein concentration, as well as a significant lowering in the circulating serum levels of copper (Cu) following Zn supplementation. In the cohort of ASD patients, the genetic expression of MT-1 was higher after Zn therapy than before the treatment. In conclusion, Zn supplementation might be an important factor in the treatment of children with ASD.

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Title: The role of zinc supplementation on the metallothionein system in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nagwa A. Meguid
Geir Bjørklund
Ola H. Gebril
Monica Daniela Doşa
Mona Anwar
Amal Elsaeid
Ahmad Gaber
Salvatore Chirumbolo
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published in: Acta Neurologica Belgica / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 0300-9009
Electronic ISSN: 2240-2993
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-019-01181-9

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The role of zinc supplementation on the metallothionein system in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Abstract

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