Can some external factors such as pollution or food influence neurological problems such as autism? New research has shown that exposure to air pollution increases the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among those with a genetic predisposition. It is a problem experienced by approximately one in every 88 children in the United States.
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by problems in social interaction, communication, and repetition of behaviors . This problem is highly heritable and undoubtedly an essential factor in the disease equation. However, this study has proven the importance of other factors. In the words of Daniel B. Campbell, lead author of the study, " this is the first demonstration of a specific interaction between a well-established genetic risk factor and an environmental factor that independently contribute to the risk of autism," he says.
To reach this link, the researchers analyzed 408 cases of children between the ages of 2 and 5 with genetic risks for childhood autism. Thanks to a blood test, they determined that 252 of them met the criteria for ASD. They then analyzed air quality measurements at the children's last residences and measured the amount of nearby traffic.
The study, entitled "Autism Spectrum Disorder: interaction of air pollution with the MET receptor tyrosine kinase gene" will be published in the January issue of next year of the specialized journal Epidemiology .
