1/29/2013
Researchers at Western University have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to early detection and treatment for autism.
Scientists say they've identified a unique blood marker that shows a link between gut bacteria and autism. The findings could have a big impact as autism rates have climbed over the past decade from one in 10,000 to one in 88 who have been diagnosed.
The research was led by Dr. Derrick MacFabe, director of the Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group at Western, he told CTV London the discovery could help diagnose and treat patients.
"This is very useful in that it's a potential biomarker, or blood test, to identify certain populations of autistic children that may respond to certain treatments.
The researchers tracked 213 children with autism and found 17% of them had consistently abnormal levels of the unique blood markers and evidence of abnormal cell energy function.
MacFabe co-authored the study published in the journal Translational Psychiatry with researchers from the Arkansas Childrens Hospital Research Institute in Little Rock.
He says it indicates environmental factors may play a larger role than previously thought.
"It does point toward environmental factors. And our particular view is the environmental factors that probably play the biggest role, at least in our research so far, seem to be centred on the development of the gut bacteria over time and their effects by environmental agents."
Recent evidence suggests that biological abnormalities in many persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are not restricted to the brain but can involve other body systems including the immune, energy generation, detoxification and digestive systems.
Original post:
Western Researchers Link Gut Bacteria To Autism