Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
8-15-2021
Journal
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with early onset in utero or childhood. Environmental exposure to six metals (Pb, Hg, As, Cd, Mn, Al) is believed to be associated with ASD directly or interactively with genes.
METHODS: We enrolled 30 ASD cases, age 2-12 years old, and 30 age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) controls in Karachi, Pakistan. We assessed associations of ASD status with various factors using Conditional Logistic Regression models. We also used General Linear Models to assess possible interaction of blood Mn and Pb concentrations with the three GST genes in relation to ASD status.
RESULTS: The unadjusted difference between ASD and TD groups in terms of geometric mean blood Pb concentrations was marginally significant (
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study reporting six blood metal concentrations of Pakistani children with ASD. Estimates provided for possible interactions of GST genes with Mn and Pb in relation to ASD status are valuable for designing future similar studies.
Keywords
Aluminum, Arsenic, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cadmium, Child, Child, Preschool, Humans, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Pakistan