Biomedical Treatments for Autism 101: An Introduction to Scientifically Based Medical Treatment Options Autism Around the World Symposium 2010 May 6 -8, 2010 Zayed University Dubai, United Arab Emirates Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 1
***Disclaimer: The information provided today is for educational purposes only, and should not be used in place of profession medical and/or nutritional supervision. If medical advice is needed, this service should be given by a licensed medical provider. I do not receive any financial remuneration for anything mentioned or referred to in this presentation. Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 2
My training and employment. . . o M. S. in Biology from Tulane University, New Orleans, LA o Ph. D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University, New Orleans, LA o NIH Training Grant in Vision Research, LSU Eye Center, New Orleans, LA o Day job: Sr. Research Scientist, NASA SSC Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 3
Work related to autism. . . o Independent Consultant, Developmental Delay Consultant o Autism One Mentor o USAAA Scientific Advisory board o IHA Scientific Advisory board o CARD IRB
But most importantly, . . . A parent of child recovering from autism Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 5
What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder? A developmental disability resulting from a neurological disorder. . . Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 6
That affects normal functioning of the brain. . .
… affecting children in a spectrum of ways. . .
. . . children with autism behave in a spectrum of ways. . .
Autistic Spectrum Disorder o Abnormal development of n Communication skills n Social skills n Reasoning Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
The tough part about autism is that… No one will tell you that there is something that will definitively work. . .
Autism is treatable! o Recent research shows that autism is treatable o Early interventions lead to the best outcomes o Be aware of symptoms, and begin addressing them as soon as possible There is still not a “cure”, but there are many treatments to consider
Educate yourself. . . empower yourself with knowledge! o o You know your child best Learn about the disorder Learn about treatments Make intelligent choices about what would work best for your child—for it is a spectrum disorder, affecting each child differently Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 13
Consider pursuing 3 major treatment areas: o Biomedical/Health o Behavior/education & social interventions o Sensory issues Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Interventions go “hand-in-hand” o Therapies or interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms in each individual. o The best-studied therapies include educational/behavioral, sensory and biomedical interventions. Although these interventions do not cure autism, they often bring about substantial improvement Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
My goal as an educator, o 1. Biology n Anatomy and cell biology o 2. Immunology o 3. Biochemistry o 4. Describe what can goes wrong with these systems Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Then, the reasoning behind what can go wrong with these systems. . . explain how issues with these systems can affect behavior and behavioral intervention
. . . To enable you to understand some of the biological approaches currently available for the treatment of the medical condition described as autism, . . so if you choose you can consider applying them responsibly Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 18
What does biomedical approach mean? o The application of the natural, biological and physiological sciences to clinical medicine Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Why consider biomedical approaches for the treatment of autism? There is literature in peer review journals and other related sources that suggests that there are several biomedical interventions that. . . can be helpful for the treatment of the symptoms in many autistic spectrum disorder children Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
http: //www. pediatrics. org/cgi/con tent/full/120/5/1162
http: //aappolicy. aappublications. org/cgi/reprint/p ediatrics; 107/5/1221. pdf
Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Individuals with ASD: A Consensus Report Buie et al, 2010, Pediatrics; 125; S 1 S 18 http: //www. pediatrics. org/cgi/content/ full/125/Supplement_1/
Abstract- Buie et al; Pediatrics; 125; S 1 -S 18 “…. The consensus expert opinion of the panel was that individuals with ASDs deserve the same thoroughness and standard of care in the diagnostic workup and treatment of gastrointestinal concerns as should occur for patients without ASDs. Care providers should be aware that problem behavior in patients with ASDs may be the primary or sole symptom of the underlying medical condition, including some gastrointestinal disorders. For these patients, integration of behavioral and medical care may be most beneficial. Priorities for future research are identified to advance our understanding and management of gastrointestinal disorders in persons with ASDs. ”
The Science o The body is made up of specific systems, including skeletal, circulatory, immune, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive o Digestive system n Anatomy and function n Food allergies/food intolerances n Leaky gut/intestinal dysbiosis o Immune system function o Basic biochemistry
Digestive System o Mouth o Stomach o Small intestine-absorption n Duodenum n Jejunum n Ileum o Large intestine/Colon o Rectum o Liver o Pancreas-secretes enzymes and hormones
Digestionfunction of the digestive tract n Digests food n Absorbs nutrients n Carries vitamins and nutrients into bloodstream n Chemical detoxification n Excretion
Small Intestine o Cross Section Serosa o Connective tissue o Muscularis Externa o Inner circular and outer longitudinal fibers (muscle cells) o Submucosa o Connective tissue o Blood vessels o Mucousa o Epithelial cells o Lamina propria o Muscularis Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 28 mucosa
Intestinal epithelial cell layer: histological view Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 29
How do you get nutrients from foods? Protein o Foods are made up of proteins o When foods are eaten and properly digested, proteins are broken down by enzymes into peptides o Peptides are then further broken down into amino acids o Amino acids are the building blocks of life
What is a peptide A little biochemistry. . Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 31
Peptides are made up of amino acids that are linked together. . . Peptides are linked together to form proteins Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 32
What’s an Amino Acid? Amino acids are the building blocks of life Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 33
There are 20 amino acids H the amino acid. Cysteine S H O H C C H N O H H CYSTEINE Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 34
What can go wrong with the GI? 1. “Leaky gut” 2. Intestinal dysbiosis a. Constipation b. Diarrhea c. Enterocolitis 3. Allergy
“Leaky Gut” Definition: an abnormal or unfavorable increase in intestinal permeability The intestinal lining is supposed to be protective barrier between the gut and the bloodstream Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 36
Tight gap junctions Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 37
1. What is “leaky-gut”? Definition: an abnormal or unfavorable increase in intestinal permeability Epithelia are either 'tight' or 'leaky' The intestinal lining is supposed to be the protective barrier between the gut and the bloodstream
Leaky Gut/ Increased permeability o If the intestinal lining becomes damaged-it is possible for incompletely digested proteins and/or other by-products to “leak” through the intestinal lining o They can be recognized as foreign by the immune system, and/or “leak” into bloodstream Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
How do you treat “leaky gut”? o Cleanse the gut of toxins o Avoid the non-foods: sugars, refined carbohydrates, fatty foods. o Enhance the flow of digestive secretions /enzymes. o Provide proper nutrition to the body o Supplements diet: vitamins, anti-oxidants, , probiotics Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 40
What is intestinal dysbiosis? Intestinal flora-yeast and bacteria -are part of GI track o Intestinal dysbiosis occurs when there is an overgrowth/imb alance of intestinal flora(s) Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 41
2. Dysbiosis o Intestinal flora (yeast and bacteria) are a normal part of digestive track o Intestinal dysbiosis occurs when there is an overgrowth/imbalance of intestinal flora(s) o Dysbiosis results from n Increased use of antibiotics, steroids, etc. n Poor diet n Diets high in sugar n Stress n Immune system dysregulation
How do your treat intestinal dysbiosis? o Try laboratory testing to determine pathogen: n Yeast, clostridia, or unfavorable bacteria o Discuss Rx or OTC treatments with your physician Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 44
a. Constipation/ b. Diarrhea a. Constipation-having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week Stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Can be painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel b. Diarrhea-frequent loose or liquid bowel movements (often associated with infection, allergy and food intolerances)
 that affects part or all](https://present5.com/presentation/57d58ec93e7b75dc3751a9da610ed867/image-46.jpg "c. Enterocolitis o Inflammation [itis](due to infection or irritation) that affects part or all")
c. Enterocolitis o Inflammation [itis](due to infection or irritation) that affects part or all of the intestines (the small [entero]and/or large [col] intestines) n Hyperplasia-general term for an increase in the number of the cells of an organ or tissue causing it to increase in size n Endoscopy-looking inside, the human body for medical reasons, by inserting a small scope in the body
Ileonodular Hyperplasia Normal Terminal Ileum
Consequences of intestinal dysbiosis or “leaky gut”-if left untreated o Nutrients and vitamins aren’t absorbed properly---vitamin deficiencies o Intestinal distress o Food allergies are created o Detoxification is compromised o Bacteria and yeast can be mobilized o Formation of antibodies you might not want--because of immune dysregulation Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 48
3. Allergy o A large part of the immune system is located in or near the intestinal tract-to helps prevent microorganisms in the intestine from entering into the rest of the body n 1 st line of defense against pathogens n Defects in the immune system can lead to gastrointestinal problems o Therefore, the most obvious place for an allergic reaction to food to take place is in the GI track n Reactions can range from acute to chronic o Food allergies vs. food sensitivies
Food allergies o An immune system response. . . to foods o Body mistakes a protein in food as harmful, and creates a defense against it (antibody) o Allergy symptoms appear within minutes to an hour or so after eating the suspected food-body is battling invading food n Symptoms include eczema, an itchy red rash most common in the elbow creases or behind the knees hives, nausea, swelling, difficulty breathing and/or anaphylactic shock
Food sensitivities/food intolerances o Digestive system response to foods n Not an immune system response o Something in food irritates digestive system or person is unable to breakdown/digest food n Can include metabolic food disorders such as lactose intolerance (missing enzyme) n Symptoms include crapping, gas, nausea, and stomach pain
Immune system function The immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful to the body Normal immune system function, depends upon proper immune system responses 1. Protects and defends against foreign cells 2. Memory-gets smarter 3. Responds appropriately 4. Do no harm
Normally, there is a balance between infection and immunity infection immunity
Acquired Innate Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 55
Acquired Immunity o White blood cells associated with acquired immune system are called “lymphocytes” o T Cells o B Cells Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 56
T cells--Two kinds of t cells Helper T Cells. Recognize antigens and help other cells do their job Killer T cellskills infected cell. . . Th 1 response Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 57
B cells Produces antibodies o An antibody is specific to an antigen-something the body recognizes as “nonself”. . . Th 2 response Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 58
Cellular Communication
And, the balance can be altered Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 60
With immune system dysregulation, there is a “ shift or skewing”: o One possibility. . . when you are attacking, the “attack” is to produce antibodies. . . to foods, yeast, bacteria, etc. Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 61
Things can go wrong with the immune system. . . o o Hypersensitivity Autoimmunity Inflammation Immune system dysregulation
Immune system dysregulation o Immune system dysregulation causes an abnormal immune response o There is a “ shift or skewing” – lack of balance o The immune system looses the ability to respond appropriately. . . and when this happens, it is possible that the body develops abnormal responses to things it might normally react to. . . like foods
What happens if the immune system is compromised o Immune dysregulation n Abnormal balance and communication between immune cells o Chronic Inflammation n An abnormal, persistent activation of immune cells in the tissues o Autoimmune reactions n Antibodies targeting and causing injury to normal body tissues The immune system is closely connected to virtually every other system of the body. . . Disorders in the immune system can cause disease
The Liver’s Mighty Detoxification Powers --designed to remove toxic matter from the blood stream Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 65
Liver Functions: n. Produces bile n. Stores glucose in the form of glycogen n. Metabolizes fats n. Stores energy protein and vitamins and n. Detoxifies, and breaks down “xenobiotics” n. Removes Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D toxic matter
What happens if liver function is compromised? o If detoxification systems are overloaded, this can lead to destruction of nutrients required for detoxification pathways o if detoxification pathways become overloaded, there will be build of toxins o if transulfuration is disrupted, there is less ant-oxidant protection, and oxidative stress can result. . . Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 68
Vicious Cycle of Toxic Overload Heavy metal exposure, environmental toxins, foreign proteins Detoxification problems GI distress Allergy Immune problems Infections Treat with Antibiotics, steroids, antifungals
Why detoxification? To prevent injury to the cells and ultimately cell death In autism, toxins may be a cause of the neurological and immune dysfunction If toxins accumulate too rapidly, without being safely eliminated, they can cause damaging effects upon cells and tissues of the body Detoxification may help the cells to recover and heal
Cell Damage and Disease
Detoxification. Methylation and Sulfation? o two of the healthy body’s natural means of ridding itself of toxic substances: n Methylation n Sulfation o ASD children often need supplements to provide them with the raw materials their bodies need to carry out methylation and sulfation. Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 72
“Without methylation, there would be no life as we know it” -Craig Cooney, author of Methyl Magic Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 73
Methylation o Methylation: the process transferring a methyl group to another molecule o Methylation is an important part of : n n Folic acid pathway B 6 pathway B 12 pathway Needed for neurotransmitter synthesis
Important chemical events in the body are made possible by methylati Detoxification pathways n DNA synthesis n RNA synthesis n Cellular methylation rxts n Neurotransmission n Switching genes on and off n Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 75
Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 76
Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 77
Methionine/Glutathione Transsulfuration Pathway THFolate Methionine Remethylation pathway TMG Methionine Synthase Methylene THFolate MTHFR Transsulfuration pathway Methyl THF SAM DMG Homocysteine Methyl B 12 B 6 B 12 Cysteine Glutathione (GSH) Critical to the body’s ability to remove toxins! Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D SAH
Methionine/Glutathione Transsulfuration pathway in children with autism
Treatment Options: Where do I begin? o 1. Diet o 2. Supplements o 3. Testing (These are not in any particular order) Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 80
1. Healthier Diet
Read labels. .
Are special diets so “special” and which one do I choose? o Many autistic children suffer from inflammatory response/immune system dysregulation o Many autistic children don’t/can’t digest their foods efficiently o Diet options: GF/CF, SCD, BED, LOD, n Pick one that works best for you and your family Regardless of diet choice, it is important to ensure proper nutrition
Gluten-free/Casein-free diet (GFCF diet) o Your can try it on your own o There is research that suggests the diet can help many children. . . Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 85
What is gluten? Gluten and gluten-like proteins are found in wheat and other grains, including oats, rye, barley, bulgar, durum, kamut and spelt, and foods made from those grains. It is also found in food starches, semolina, cous, malt, some vinegars, soy sauce, flavorings, artificial colors and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 86
What is casein? Casein is a protein found in milk and products containing milk, found in such as cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, whey and most brands of margarine, and some non-milk products such as soy cheese, hot dogs, and tuna fish, in the form of caseinate Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 87
Diet: Gluten-free Caseinfree(GFCF) Diet o A restrictive diet that removes all food items that contain both n gluten and casein o The are two main theories currently present in scientific literature that explain why some people with autism and PDD respond positively to a GFCF diet n improperly broken down dietary peptides n immune system dysregulation
Improperly broken down dietary peptides Some people with ASD cannot properly digest gluten and casein, which break down into substances that act like opiates in their bodies According to this theory, these "drug-like" substance alters the person's behavior, perceptions, and responses to his environment
Casein/casomorphin and gluten/gliadorphin o Casein is a protein found in milk and products containing milk o Casomorphin (or caseomorhin) is a peptide derived from the milk protein casein o Gluten and gluten-like proteins are found in wheat and other grains o Gliadorphin (or gluteomorphin) is a peptide derived from the wheat protein gluten
Or immune dysregulation causes an abnormal immune response The immune system looses the ability to respond appropriately. . . Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 91
Immune System Dysregulation Body develops abnormal responses to things it might normally react to An abnormal immune response can result in Allergy Inflammation Hypersensitivity Autoimmunity
When this happens, it is possible that the body develops abnormal responses to things it might normally react to, . . . like foods Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 93
Consider this. . o Although at the beginning the diet may seem difficult, it maybe infinitely easier to try the diet, and end up having a happier healthier higher functioning autistic child, than living with a bad/poorly functioning one!!! Which would you rather choose? Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 94
How to begin a GFCF diet? o Keep a daily log/diary o Be systematic o Try removing dairy first n See what happens; generally within first few days improvements can be observed n Try for at least two weeks o Try removing gluten n Give this at least 3 months, and up to 6 Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 95
Books for suggested reading for GFCF Diet beginners: Special Diets for Special Kids: Understanding and Implementing Special Diets to Aid in the Treatments of Autism and Related Developmental by Lisa Lewis, Ph. D. Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 96
Some wonderful resources available for GFCF beginners: GFCF DIET web site www. gfcfdiet. com ANDI, autism network for dietary intervention http: //www. autismndi. com Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 97
Where do I get these types of foods? o Buy ready-made food items or mixes n Your local grocery store n Your local health food store Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 98
Ordering GFCF foods on-line: o Miss Robens http: //www. allergygrocer. com 800 -891 -0083 o Kinnikinnick http: //www. kinnick. com 877 -503 -4466 o Ener-G http: //www. ener-g. com/ 800 -331 -5222 Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 99
2. Nutritional supplementation
Nutritional Supplements o They are relatively safe-if used responsibly o You don’t need an Rx o You can purchase a good encyclopedia of nutrition to educate yourself-go to your local bookstore or library Why? o There is some literature that suggests that some supplements can help many ASD kids. . Particularly because of impaired detoxification Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 101
***Disclaimer regarding nutritional supplements: The supplements mentioned today represents products that I am familiar with; there may be other supplements, besides these, which are acceptable. I do not endorse, nor do I receive any financial remuneration, for any of the items mentioned. Please note its always wise to verify product/safety information check with your healthcare provider, before use! Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 102
Why nutritional supplementation? o Nutritional deficiency n involves a lack of one or more nutrients obtained from food essential for normal cell and body function n occur due to o Mal-absorption/poor absorption in the small intestine o Unhealthy eating, or o Self-imposed/imposed dietary restrictions o Poor utilization of nutrients because of genetic or environmental factors o Oxidative Stress
Nutritional deficiencies occur due to: n Mal-absorption/poor absorption in the small intestine n unhealthy eating, or n self-imposed/imposed dietary restrictions n Poor utilization of nutrients because of genetic or environmental factors Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
There are nutritional deficiencies associated with disease o Rickets-vitamin D deficiency o Scurvy-vitamin C deficiency o Beriberi-thiamine deficiency o Pellagra-niacin deficiency o Goiter-iodine deficiency
What nutrients are commonly deficient? o o o o o Vitamin B 12 Vitamin B 6 Folate or folic acid Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin D Zinc Magnesium Omega 3 fatty acids Glutathione Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Nutritional supplements: Which ones? o Some useful information is provided at www. ari/autism. com o Discuss options with your physician or nutritionist, and help to make the best decisions for your child o www. nutrition. gov for official government reports Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 107
Some basic nutritional support to consider may include: Vit B 6/Mag Probiotics DMG and/or TMG Zinc Folic/Folinic acid Digestive enzymes Glutathione Calcium/Magnesium Antioxidants n Vit C n Vit E n Co. Q 10 Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 108
Signs and symptoms associated with nutritional deficiency. . . o o o o o Neurological symptoms Memory loss Psychosis How can a Bruising child attend, Confusion focus, and learn? Impaired learning Growth retardation Loss of appetite Poor immune function Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Tricks of trade: How do you get kids to take these things? Swallow capsules-oil/straw trick Hiding in food: Syringe approach -Icing Trandermal preps-require Rx -Frozen fruit juices -Jell-O Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 110
What are transdermals? Trans - across Dermal - skin Compounding pharmacists formulate vitamins, minerals, hormones, and medications into cream and gel bases that are, when applied to the skin, actively transported through the skin for absorption into the bloodstream Transdermals offers almost complete delivery without many of the side effects/problems associated with oral administration Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 111
What about oxidative stress? o Caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen (free radicals) and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify/repair damage o Can impose upon the cells and affect normal cell function, causing oxidative stress o Can supplement with antioxidants to counter-act effects of oxidative stress upon the cell Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
To combat oxidative stress o o Vitamin E Calcium Vitamin C Selenium Glutathione Zinc Vitamin B 6 or its activated form, pyridoxal-5 -phosphate (P 5 P) with Magnesium Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
But no matter which interventions you try, . . . o implement them slowly, one at a time, so that you can try to identify what exactly has had a positive or negative effect. Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 115
3. Additional laboratory testing Why consider other testing? Because if you don’t look for the problem, you might not find it Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 116
Some standard laboratory testing to consider: o Full Immunological work-up n Ig. A, Ig. M and Ig. E n Ig. G with subclasses o Comprehensive Allergy Profile n For food and inhalants (including delayed food hypersensitivity Ig. G for food allergies) o Toxic metal screening n Hair, urine and blood Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 117
Additional advanced laboratory testing o o Comprehensive diagnostic stool analysis o o Urinary organic acid test o o Sleep EEG o o MRI +/- CAT scan o o Thyroid profile o Fragile X o Liver panel Urinary peptide levels Inborn error of metabolism Serum copper Plasma zinc Autoimmune test for n Anti-MBP Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 118
Some advanced biomedical interventions: o Require medical supervision/Rx n Methyl-B 12 injections n IVIG-intravenous immunoglobulin o Oral IG n Secretin n IV Glutathione n HBOT-Hyperbaric oxygen therapy n Chelation Therapy o Transdermal DMPS o Oral DMSA Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 119
Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 120
What do we know now? o Mercury in a known neurotoxin -Dr. Boyd Haley o Thimerosal (50% ethyl mercury) can inhibit methionine synthase -Dr. Richard Deth o These children have less antioxidant protection against oxidative stress -Dr. Jill James Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 121
What we do know o In 2001, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) determined that such a relationship (between thimerosal and neurodevelopmental disorders) is biologically plausible, but that not enough evidence exists to support or reject this hypothesis o Thimerosal neurotoxicity is associated with glutathione depletion –James et al, 2005 o Recent work by Dr. Mark Geier and David Geier have shown strong epidemiological evidence for a causal relationship between thimerosal and neurodevelopmental disorders in children-Geier and Geier, 2007 Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 122
Why detoxification?
Maybe there is a genetic susceptibility, environmental factors can affect trigger effects. . . Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
The environmental factors issues is gaining broader acceptance Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Health Place. 2006 Jun; 12(2): 203 -9. Findings: For every 1000 pounds of mercury that is emitted from Texas smokestacks there is a 61% increase in Autism rates in that state. Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
EHP Vol 6, 2006: Online 21 June 2006 Methods: Subjects included 284 children with ASD and 657 controls, born in 1994 in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assigned exposure level by census tract of birth residence for 19 chemicals we identified as potential neurotoxicants, developmental toxicants, and/or endocrine disruptors from the 1996 HAPs database. Results: Adjusting for these three groups simultaneously led to decreased risks for the solvents and increased risk for metals (AORs for metals: fourth quartile 1. 7, 95% CI 1. 0 -3. 0; third quartile 1. 95, 95% CI 1. 2 -3. 1). The individual compounds that contributed most to these associations included mercury (highest odds ratio), cadmium, nickel, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride. Conclusions: Our results suggest a potential association between autism and estimated metal concentrations, and possibly solvents, in ambient air around the birth residence, requiring confirmation and more refined exposure assessment in future studies.
Why is detoxification important? o To prevent injury to the cells and ultimately cell death o Cell injury and cell death is bad o In autism, toxins may be a cause of the neurological and immune dysfunction o Detoxification may help the cells to recover which will enable for healing o If toxins accumulate too rapidly, without being safely eliminated, they can cause damaging effects upon cells and tissues of the body
How does your body detoxify? o Designed to remove/eliminate toxic substances from the body o Primary function of liver and kidney o Glutathione o Once toxins are bound they are eliminated via bile and urine o Can also be achieved via artificial (chelation) or supplementary (sauna) means through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
How do you implement a detoxification program? o Should be done under the direction of an experience physician or other practitioner o Support the body’s own detoxification system—nutrients, methyl. B 12, glutathione, etc. o Remove accessible toxins—chelation, saunas, etc. o Monitor closely Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Environmental Disease in Humans Hypothesis: “Most human disease results from the interaction of genetic susceptibility and exposure to environmental factors” “Genetic susceptibility generally relates to the inability of the liver to detoxify certain potentially lethal toxicants” Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
“The abnormal metabolic profile in children with autism is consistent with the abnormal genetic profile and strengthens the hypothesis that genetic susceptibility to oxidative stress and reduced methylation capacity may predispose these children to neurological, immunological, and gastrointestinal dysfunction that occurs with autism”—Dr. Jill James Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Paradigm switch autism is not a psychological condition – it is a neuro-gastro-immunological disorder resulting from an genetic susceptibility and an environmental insult Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Don’t try to do everything all at once!!!! Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 135
Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
What you can do now. . . o 1 st Stabilize intestinal dysbiosis o 2 nd Maximize metabolism o 3 rd Healthier diet n Consider removing casein from the diet n Consider removing gluten from the diet o o 4 th 5 th 6 th 7 th Do some standard laboratory testing Introduce supplements, one at a time Do additional testing Consider advanced biomedical intervention, . . . Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 137
A happier, healthier child is going to be more responsive to behavioral, social and sensory interventions Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Books recommended for an introduction to biomedical interventions for autism o Children With Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder by Jaquelyn Mc. Candless, M. D. Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
. . . and, o Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder: A Mother’s Story of Research and Recovery by Karyn Seroussi Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Understanding Autism for Dummies n n Provides the simple breakdown of behavioral, medical and other intervention Offers practical advice on how to educate children, as well as insights on helping people with autism maximize their potential S. Shore, L. Rastelli, T. Grandin
More and more autistic children are getting better every day, and although there is no guarantee. . . today, there are more reasons to be hopeful that your child could be part of the extraordinary journey towards recovery Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D 142
A new paradigm in autism o Autism is an environmental illness with a genetic component. o It is a complex metabolic disease, not just a developmental disability. o Autism is treatable, but. . . o We must continue fighting for a cure! Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
Remember, . . . Be patient Be inspired Have strength Never give up hope, and o Never give up courage o Love your child! o o Lauren W. Underwood, Ph. D
The End
Скачать презентацию Biomedical Treatments for Autism 101 An Introduction to
57d58ec93e7b75dc3751a9da610ed867.ppt