Prenatal Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and Risk of Autism Spectrum
Abstract
The causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not well understood, but research suggests that factors influencing early brain development may be involved. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which include omega 3 fatty acids, are fats obtained from the diet that play key roles in early fetal brain development. It is notknown whether levels of these crucial fats during pregnancy influence risk of ASD. This project will examine the relationship between PUFA levels and ASD, addressing the role of environmental risk factors in ASD (a FY15 priority Area of Interest). Specifically, the goal of this project is to determine whether levels of PUFAs measured from maternal blood samples collected during pregnancy, and in a subgroup group, from newborn blood spots, differ between children with ASD and those without ASD. We will also explore whether the relationship between PUFAs and ASD differs in certain subgroups, such as by race/ethnicity, preterm birth, or child gender. Based on the importance of PUFAs in neurodevelopment, we suspect that lower levels of PUFAs may be related to ASD. In order to address these questions, we will use data from routine screening programs in the state of California. Children with ASD (cases) will be selected from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), a statewide program that coordinates services for children with autism and other disabilities. Children without ASD (controls) will be selected from California birth certificates in the same year as children with ASD. PUFAs will be measured in the previously collected blood samples from pregnancy (500 cases and 500 controls), and in newborn blood spots from a subgroup (200 cases and 200 controls) using sensitive, state-of-the-art technology. Statistical analyses will examine differences in levels of maternal and newborn PUFAs between children with and without ASD, adjusting for demographic and other factors that may influence the association.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1047058
Entities
People
- Kristen Lyall
Organizations
- Drexel University