Placental Vascular Tree as Biomarker of Autism/ASD Risk
Abstract
We propose to capitalize on recent insights into the shared molecular pathways that support and maintain neuronal and vascular branching growth and an internationally unique resource, the ALSPAC longitudinal birth cohort with immaculately preserved placent as,to test the idea that appropriate measures of the shape and structure of the branching network of the placental vascular tree that is progressively elaborated across gestation will serve as biomarkers of autism/ASD and provide a novel method of assessment of the placental vascular tree. To validate the theory that placental vascular tree structure serves as a biomarker of autism/ASD risk, we are proposing one task the examination, dissection, and photography of the study placentas and three subprojects which will use the images and other data gathered from that processing to characterize the shape and structure of the placental vascular trees and the gestational environments of children diagnosed with autism/ASD compared to a comprehensive set of two control groups. The placental examination and dissection, and the subprojects will be drawn from a nested case control study of the placental archive of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The case group will include all 56 children in the cohort with archived placentas who have been diagnosed with autism/ASD. Two control groups of 168 placentas/children each (3:1 ratio to cases) will be selected from the same cohort: (1) One control group will be drawn from the cohort members (n > 6500) with normal childhood development; and (2) The second control group will consist of cohort members without autism/ ASD but diagnosed with developmental delay and requiring special education needs (SEN). Each control group will be frequency-matched to the autism case group on the following three variables: gender; gestational age category. and parity. (Total sample size: 371 placentas). Maternal medical record data have been extracted for all children.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA553932
Entities
People
- Carolyn M. Salafia
Organizations
- Research Foundation For Mental Hygiene