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Science baby teeth can indicate early evidence of an autism risk
For decades researchers have been trying to find out why some children develop autism. There are even cases where one twin develops the disease but the other twin is completely healthy. Physicians have now found that baby teeth can provide clues as to whether children are at increased risk of developing autism.
The scientists from the Icahn School of Medicine found in their study that the teeth of some babies are exposed to different metals. This could explain why affected children have an increased risk of autism. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Nature Communications".
For example, when examining teeth of young children, you can tell if they regularly brush their teeth properly. Physicians have even been able to determine the risk of an autism spectrum disorder with the help of baby teeth. (Image: Sabine Hürdler - fotolia) Ingested metals affect various stages of a child's development
In their recent research, the experts highlighted some possible factors of the risk for autism. These seem to be revealed through the teeth of children. The researchers came to this conclusion when examining the baby teeth of 32 twins. Thus, it was found that elevated levels of lead and other metals are associated with an increased risk of developing autism, explain the physicians. These metals can lead to changes in different stages of a child's development.
One to two percent of all children in Europe suffer from autism spectrum disorder
A so-called autism spectrum disorder affects one to two percent of all children in Europe and North America, explain the authors of the study. Although much research has been done in this area, there have been few studies on how specific environmental factors can affect the risk of autism.
Begins autism in the womb?
We believe that autism starts very early, most likely already in the womb, explain the researchers. The results of the study indicate that this risk to children due to environmental factors can be increased. When the disease is diagnosed at the age of three or four, it is difficult to find out which environmental factors the mother was exposed to. However, by examining baby teeth, it seems possible to pinpoint that, add the authors.
Researchers conduct a metal analysis
The physicians have developed a method to measure the exposure of children to lead and other metals while still in the womb by examining baby teeth. To do this, the experts used a laser to extract precise layers of dentin (a hard substance under the enamel) for metal analysis.
Exposure to metals can be determined by examining the teeth
Unlike the genes, our environment is constantly changing, say the doctors. The response of our body to certain environmental factors depends not only on how many factors we have been exposed to, but also on the age at which we experienced it, the researchers explain. The researchers studied metals, which are important nutrients for the human body (like zinc and manganese) and toxic metals like lead. The experts were able to estimate at what point in the development the children were exposed to certain metals and how strong this exposure was.
How widespread were autism spectrum disorders during the study?
Of the 32 twin pairs studied, six had a twin with autism spectrum disorder. In seven cases, both twins had an autism spectrum disorder. 19 children were not affected by the disease.
Lead and manganese affect the risk of autism
The researchers found only minor differences in metal uptake patterns when both twins had autism. However, they found significant differences in twin pairs, with only one twin diagnosed with autism. Differences in the concentrations of six metals were found, including lead, zinc, tin, chromium and manganese. Both lead and manganese are directly related to the risk of autism, explain the authors.
When was the lead concentration highest??
The observed levels of lead were consistently increased in children with an autism spectrum disorder - from the time point ten weeks before birth to 20 weeks after birth. The biggest difference was observed 15 weeks after the birth of the twins. The lead levels were 1.5 times higher in children with autism spectrum disorder than their twins, the researchers explain.
Manganese levels are lower in children with autism spectrum disorder
Manganese levels were lower in children with autism spectrum disorder 10 weeks before birth and 5 to 20 weeks after birth. The biggest difference was noted at the age of 15 weeks, when the manganese level was 2.5-fold lower in autism spectrum disorders, the researchers report. (As)