Hormone Oxytocin Linked To Autism
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found epigenetic changes to genes (changes to the way genes are switched on and off and not to the DNA sequence itself) strongly linked to autism.
Co-lead author Simon G Gregory Ph.D assistant professor in the Duke Department of Medicine said “In both blood samples and brain tissue, the methylation status of specific nucleotides in the oxytocin receptor gene is significantly higher in someone with autism, about 70% compared to the control population, where it is about 40%.”
Oxyctocin plays an important role in social behavior. In two preliminary studies oxytocin was used to decrease repetitive behavior and improve emotional interpretation in autistic children.
Dr Gregory said “These results provide a possible explanation on why social isolation forms part of the autism spectrum – because an autistic individual’s ability to respond to oxytocin may be limited.”
119 individuals with autism were examined for genetic mutations. One had a DNA deletion in the OXTR gene (oxytocin receptor gene), examining this boy’s family members they found his brother also had autism but did not have the OXTR deletion. The mother had symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder but not autism, “autism and OCD share the symptom on intensely repetitive thoughts and behaviors”.
Researchers then examined the boy with autism and without the DNA deletion and found the elevated methylation levels, (epigenetic mutation) in the OXTR receptor gene. Re-examining all the other independent blood samples they found consistent differences in OXTR methylation.
What I also find interesting is previous findings that Estrogen enhances the effects of oxytocin while testosterone mutes or blocks oxytocin. We know that there is 4.1 ratio for boys with autism compared to girls and Dr Gregory above says that the epigenetic mutations limit an autistic individual’s ability to respond to oxytocin. This makes it tempting to speculate that estrogen provide some protection for girls against autism.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021212247.htm
there is still no permament solution for autism. we just have to take good care of the kids who are suffering autism.*.-
there is no permanent cure for autism yet, most autism treatments are experimental.::
there has been no permanent cure for autism yet but i think stem cells could also help*~~
i have a brother that is autistic and we love him so much and gave all of our support on him **-
While there is a need for a cure for debilitating Autism where the person/child is unresponsive or severely lacking in any of the Social Skills.
There is a need in this world for certain forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder as the majority of Scientific discoveries are found by people who are reputedly to be undiagnosed within this spectrum.