New clue in autism mystery: Fatty acids in baby’s blood could be key

FUKUI, Japan — Researchers have uncovered a potential link between certain fatty acid compounds in newborns’ blood and the later development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This discovery could pave the way for earlier detection and intervention in ASD, a condition affecting approximately 1 in 44 children in the United States.

The study, published in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, focused on specific compounds called dihydroxy fatty acids, particularly those derived from arachidonic acid. These compounds, with scientific names like diHETrE, play important roles in inflammation and other bodily processes. The researchers found that higher levels of these compounds in umbilical cord blood were associated with more severe autism symptoms and difficulties with social skills when children reached six years of age.

“The levels of diHETrE, an arachidonic acid-derived diol, in cord blood at birth significantly impacted subsequent ASD symptoms in children and were also associated with impaired adaptive functioning,” explains Professor Hideo Matsuzaki from the Research Center for Child Mental Development at the University of Fukui, who led the study. “These findings suggest that the dynamics of diHETrE during the fetal period is important in the developmental trajectory of children after birth.”

To understand the significance of this finding, it’s helpful to think of these fatty acid compounds as chemical messengers in the body. They’re involved in complex processes that affect inflammation, which is the body’s response to injury or irritation. While inflammation is a normal and necessary function, too much of it, especially during critical periods of development, might disrupt the delicate balance needed for proper brain growth.

The study’s most provocative finding was that one particular compound, called 11,12-diHETrE, seemed to have the strongest connection to autism symptoms. Higher levels of this compound were linked to more difficulties with social interaction and communication, which are hallmark features of autism. Conversely, lower levels of another compound, 8,9-diHETrE, were associated with more repetitive and restrictive behaviors, another key characteristic of ASD.

Interestingly, the researchers also found that these associations were more pronounced in girls than in boys. This is particularly noteworthy because autism is generally diagnosed more frequently in boys. The finding suggests that there might be different biological pathways leading to autism in girls versus boys, which could have important implications for diagnosis and treatment.

But what does this mean for parents and healthcare providers? While it’s too early to use these findings as a diagnostic tool, they offer a new avenue for research into the origins of autism. If further studies confirm these results, it might eventually lead to blood tests that could identify babies at higher risk for autism, allowing for earlier interventions.

“The effectiveness of early intervention for children with ASD is well established and detecting it at birth could enhance intervention and support for children with ASD,” notes Professor Matsuzaki. He also suggests that inhibiting diHETrE metabolism during pregnancy might be a promising avenue for preventing ASD traits in children, although he cautions that more research is needed in this area.

It’s important to note that this study doesn’t suggest a cause-and-effect relationship. Having higher levels of these compounds doesn’t necessarily mean a child will develop autism, and lower levels don’t guarantee they won’t. Instead, think of it as one piece of a very complex puzzle that researchers are still trying to solve.

The study also sheds light on the importance of what happens in the womb for a child’s long-term development. It adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that the prenatal environment plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s future health, including their neurological development.

For parents, this research underscores the importance of prenatal care and a healthy pregnancy. While we can’t control everything that happens during fetal development, maintaining good nutrition and avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy may help create the best possible environment for a developing baby.

While there’s still much to learn, this study represents an exciting step forward in unraveling the complex origins of autism. It offers hope that one day, we might be able to identify and address autism risk factors even before a child is born, potentially changing the course of their development and improving their quality of life.