SAN DIEGO, Sept 8 A common dietary supplement could treat a rare form of autism which has been found to be linked to an amino acid deficiency, a study published Thursday in the journal Science has found.
US researchers were able to isolate a genetic mutation in some autism patients which speeds up metabolism of certain amino acids.
Patients with a certain mutation were found to burn through their animo acid stores more quickly than normal, creating an imbalance the researchers think may be linked to the neuro-behaviorial symptoms of autism. AFP/Relaxnews
Because of the speeded-up metabolism, the patients with this mutation burned through their stores of the amino acid more quickly than normal, creating an imbalance the researchers think may be linked to the neuro-behaviorial symptoms of autism.
It was very surprising to find mutations in a potentially treatable metabolic pathway specific for autism, said co-author Joseph Gleeson of the University of California, San Diego.
What was most exciting was that the potential treatment is obvious and simple: Just give affected patients the naturally occurring amino acids their bodies lack.
The genetic mutations were identified after researchers studied the genomes of several autistic children who also suffered epileptic seizures.
Gleesons team then genetically engineered mice to test the impact of the dietary supplement, which is available in health food stores.
The mice with the genetic mutation displayed autism-like symptoms, including spontaneous epileptic seizures but when treated with the supplements, their condition improved.
Studying the animals was key to our discovery, said first author Gaia Novarino, a staff scientist in Gleesons lab.
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Food supplement could treat some autism, says study
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