Safety and efficacy of oral DMSA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders: Part A - Medical results

Adams, James B.; Baral, Matthew; Geis, E.; Mitchell, Jessica; Ingram, Julie; Hensley, Andrea; Zappia, Irene; Newmark, Sanford; Gehn, Eva; Rubin, Robert A.; Mitchell, Ken; Bradstreet, James Jeffrey; El-Dahr, J.M.

doi:10.1186/1472-6904-9-16

Cited by 43 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Significantly lower population-mean levels of GSH in RBCs have been indicated in many disease states including but not limited to: acute exposure to drugs and toxins [1, 2, 3], protein-malnutrition [4], hormonal imbalance [5], genitourinary disease [6], gastrointestinal disease [6], cancer [6], cardiovascular disease [6], musculoskeletal disease [6], Parkinson’s disease [7], adult respiratory distress syndrome [8], diabetes mellitus [9, 10], liver disease [11], AIDS [12], cataracts [13], and aging [14, 15]. On the other hand, high availability of GSH in red blood cells (RBCs) has been correlated with longevity in mosquitos [16] and mice [17], and good health in elderly humans [18].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The concentration of glutathione in human erythrocytes is a heritable trait

Erve

Wagner

Ryckman

et al. 2013

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

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Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous, redox active, small molecule that is critical to cellular and organism health. In red blood cells (RBCs), the influence of the environment (e.g. diet and lifestyle) on GSH levels has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, it remains unknown if levels of GSH are determined principally by environmental factors, or if there is a genetic component, i.e. heritability. To investigate this we conducted a twin study. Twin studies are performed by comparing the similarity in phenotypes between mono- and di-zygotic twin pairs. We determined the heritability of GSH, as well as its oxidation product glutathione disulfide (GSSG), the sum of GSH equivalents (tGSH), and the status of the GSSG/2GSH couple (marker of oxidation status, Ehc) in RBCs. In our study population we found that the estimated heritability for the intracellular concentration of GSH in RBCs is 57 %; GSSG is 51 %, tGSH is 63 %, and Ehc is 70 %. We conclude that a major portion of the phenotype of these traits is controlled genetically. We anticipate that these heritabilities will also be reflected in other cell types. The discovery that genetics play a major role in the innate levels of redox active species in RBCs is paradigm-shifting and opens new avenues of research in the field of redox biology. Inherited RBC anti-oxidant levels may be important disease modifiers. By identifying the relative contributions of genes and the environment to anti-oxidant variation between individuals, new therapeutic strategies can be developed. Understanding the genetic determinants of these inherited traits may allow personalized approaches to relevant therapies.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The concentration of glutathione in human erythrocytes is a heritable trait

Erve

Wagner

Ryckman

et al. 2013

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Furthermore, increased use of antibiotics leads to an alteration in gut flora which impairs the ability to detoxify toxic metals like mercury. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), an organosulfur compound with two thiol groups, has been found to be effective in ameliorating the symptoms of autism in placebo controlled studies [39], likely through its ability to enable the excretion of toxic metals such as lead and mercury [40]. It also led to a normalization of glutathione levels in red blood cells [40].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Empirical Data Confirm Autism Symptoms Related to Aluminum and Acetaminophen Exposure

Seneff

Davidson²,

Liu

2012

Entropy

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Autism is a condition characterized by impaired cognitive and social skills, associated with compromised immune function. The incidence is alarmingly on the rise, and environmental factors are increasingly suspected to play a role. This paper investigates word frequency patterns in the U.S. CDC Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) database. Our results provide strong evidence supporting a link between autism and the aluminum in vaccines. A literature review showing toxicity of aluminum in human physiology offers further support. Mentions of autism in VAERS increased steadily at the end of the last century, during a period when mercury was being phased out, while aluminum adjuvant burden was being increased. Using standard log-likelihood ratio techniques, we identify several signs and symptoms that are significantly more prevalent in vaccine reports after 2000, including cellulitis, seizure, depression, fatigue, pain and death, which are also significantly associated with aluminum-containing vaccines. We propose that children with the autism diagnosis are especially vulnerable to toxic metals such as aluminum and mercury due to insufficient serum sulfate and glutathione. A strong correlation between autism and the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is also observed, which may be partially explained via an increased sensitivity to acetaminophen administered to control fever.

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“…Two related studies have been published [70, 71] involving 65 children with ASD who received one round of DMSA (3 days) and based on those who had high urinary excretion of toxic metals, 49 were randomly assigned to a double-blind design to receive either 6 additional rounds of DMSA or placebo. DMSA was reportedly well tolerated and resulted in high excretion of heavy metals, normalization of red blood cell glutathione, and possibly improved ASD symptoms.…”

Section: Ingestible Cats For Asdmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Lofthouse

Hendren

Hurt

et al. 2012

Autism Research and Treatment

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Given the severe and chronic problems associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the limitations of available treatments, there exists a large public health need for additional interventions. As more parents are inquiring about complementary and alternative treatments (CATs), both parents and practitioners require up-to-date information about them and whether and how to integrate them into treatment. After presenting data on CAT usage patterns for ASD, we review 13 ingestible (i.e., orally administered) and 6 noningestible (i.e., externally administered) CATs for ASD. For each CAT we briefly describe its definition; rationale for use; current research support, limitations, and future directions; safety issues; and whether we currently recommend, not recommend, or find it acceptable for the treatment of ASD. We conclude this paper with recommendations for future research and ten clinical recommendations for practitioners.

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Safety and efficacy of oral DMSA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders: Part A - Medical results

Abstract: Background: This study investigated the effect of oral dimercapto succinic acid (DMSA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders ages 3-8 years.

Cited by 43 publications

References 35 publications

The concentration of glutathione in human erythrocytes is a heritable trait

The concentration of glutathione in human erythrocytes is a heritable trait

Empirical Data Confirm Autism Symptoms Related to Aluminum and Acetaminophen Exposure

A Review of Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders

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