Vitamin D and autism: results so far say yes, it probably can affect “stereotypical behavior."
Supplementation with vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin/hormone, seems to have a positive effect on the expression of stereotypical behaviors related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to a new review of published randomized-control trial (RCT) research. Looking at data from 8 RCTs, including over 250 children with ASD, researchers from China found several potentially important trends following vitamin D usage, but only stereotypical behaviors were significantly affected by supplementation, statistically speaking. Authors call for further research on this already well-studied area, particularly emphasizing the need for more study on “individualized doses” of supplementation and importantly, possible biological modes of action.
“Is autism a biological entity?”
While disagreements rage on all-manner of issues related to autism, one thing that most people would agree on is that while the diagnostic criteria unite those with autism, its use has done relatively little to aid the discovery of any universal underlying biology related to autism. So also concluded an important editorial on a journal research topic discussing this issue from researchers based in the US and Canada who have previously opined on this issue in the peer-reviewed science arena. Drawing on various examples of heterogeneity in relation to autism, the editorial provides some potentially new directions for autism research to overcome said heterogeneity and aid “the discovery of meaningful categories of neurodevelopmental disorders.” An important theme was the idea that the diagnosis of autism, as it currently stands, might not be a great starting point for research, and instead a focus on either prototypical autism - something more akin to that originally described by Kanner - and/or “transdiagnostic endophenotypes” could provide greater research illumination on the biology of ‘the autisms’.
The ‘fever effect’ and autism: looking to the details
“An emerging subtype of fever-responsive ASD may be characterized by GI abnormalities, maternal infection in pregnancy, and familial autoimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders.” That was the conclusion reached in a new study out of Israel looking at the ‘fever effect’, where some people with ASD are reported to show demonstrable changes in their presentation during periods of fever or febrile episodes. Drawing on clinical data deposited as part of the Simons Simplex Collection, researchers used machine learning techniques to analyze the various characteristics of the one in six children who were reported to show behavioral improvements during fever periods. The presence of functional gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain were an important part of the symptoms profile of fever ‘responders’. Other variables, principally related to the immune system, also showed a possible connection, leading authors to speculate that such an ASD subtype may have important connection to immune functions. Further research on the genetics and biology of the fever effect in ASD is indicated.
[Note from J. Rodakis: N of One supported researcher Jun Huh of Harvard Medical School continues to investigate the possible biology of the fever effect in ASD. Here is his latest paper on the subject and we are actively working with him on a new project in this area.]
And finally…
FMT in a pill for C. difficile infection gets the regulatory green light
In April 2023, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), who oversee the safety of food and medicines in the United States, made a landmark announcement on their approval of Vowst, an orally administered medicine used to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection. What makes Vowst slightly different from other medicines in this class is that alongside containing live bacteria to affect the bacterial populations that lead to C. difficile infection, it also includes spores that activate when reaching the gut derived from donated faecal material. In effect, it represents an oral dosage form of faecal microbiota transplant (FMT), where bacteria from one person is harvested, purified and donated to another. Although Vowst is specifically indicated for use in cases of C. difficile infection, which can be life-threatening, other potential avenues of usage are bound to be eventually explored. Members of the FDA have, for example, already this year commented on the need for further high-quality trials in medicine, citing the specific example of FMT being used in the context of ASD.
Media: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first- orally-administered-fecal-microbiota-product-prevention-recurrence-clostridioides
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