New, accurate tests have been developed to detect autism
Researchers at the UK’s University of Warwick have developed two tests that re will help detect autism (autism spectrum disorder – ASD) in children. Both tests, one for blood and the other testing urine, are based on a previously discovered link between protein damage in the blood and autism. According to their tw rc , ASD diagnosis will now be more accurate than ever before.
We still don’t know what causes the onset of ASD. About 30-35 percent of. cases in ASD is associated with rare genetic variants. In addition, environmental factors and different mutations also play a role.
ASD cases are characterized by a wide range of symptoms in which re can include mild behavioral problems or debilitating compulsive behavior, anxiety, cognitive disorders and many others. Because the symptoms of ASD are so ssociated, and the causes are not yet fully understood, diagnosis and treatment are very difficult.
The researchers believe that the tests can help c in improving early detection of autism spectrum disorders, and early diagnosis allows existing therapies to be applied early in a child’s life.
The study, published in the journal „Molecular Autism”, confirmed previous studies that re have linked certain damaged proteins in the blood to ASD. These proteins can be damaged by oxidation and glycation processes. British researchers have developed tests that re can detect these defects.
Armed with this knowledge and using the tests they have developed, the team ł has taken pr urine and blood samples from 38 children with ASD. The study also included a control group of 31 children who rychiatric patients not diagnosed with ASD.
Team ł researchers have taken pr bki of blood and urine from both groups and found the difference between the two. Children diagnosed with ASD have been found to have higher levels of an oxidation marker called dityrosine and compounds called advanced glycation end products. The researchers estimated that their test recognizes ASD with 90 percent of the. accuracy.
– With further testing, we can determine blood and urine profiles or "fingerprints " compound with harmful modifications. It may help c us to improve ASD diagnosis and point to previously unknown causes of ASD onset – Said Dr. Nail Rabbani, who heads a team of scientists in which ers have developed tests.
The experiments were conducted on a fairly small group and the researchers want to repeat them test on a larger number of subjects to confirm the results.
