Scientists believe they have identified a compound in umbilical cord blood that has a strong impact on the severity of autism.
The researchers believe the levels of fatty acid metabolites found in cord blood are linked to social interaction and repetitive behaviours.
Professor Hideo Matsuzaki suggests metabolites found in umbilical cord blood hold clues to whether a child develops autism
Signals to the brain
Fatty acids function as cells’ building blocks, generating energy and sending signals to the brain.
Professor Hideo Matsuzaki of Fukui University, in Japan, led the researchers.
They analysed the fatty acid levels in the umbilical cord blood of 200 children.
They assessed the children again at six years old with the help of their mothers.
Metabolites important in development
The scientists concluded that metabolites derived from arachidonic acid during pregnancy are important in a child’s developmental trajectory after birth.
High levels of these metabolites impact autism symptom severity “significantly”, they concluded.
Professor Matsuzaki said detecting autism at birth “could enhance intervention and support for children”.
And he said inhibiting these metabolites during pregnancy “might be a promising avenue for preventing ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) traits in children, although more research will be needed in this regard”.
Work ‘may shed light’
In a statement, biomedical charity Thinking Autism said the work may “help shed some light on the complex pathophysiology of autism”.
The charity said it hoped the research would lead to the “development of effective treatments, thereby helping improve quality of life for individuals with autism and their families”.
The researchers published their findings in the journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.
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Published: 26 August 2024
