The role of environmental trace element toxicants on autism: A medical biogeochemistry perspective

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2023 Feb;251:114561.
doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114561. Epub 2023 Jan 23.

The role of environmental trace element toxicants on autism: A medical biogeochemistry perspective

Salih Muhammad Awadh 1 , Zaher Mundher Yaseen 2 , Mohammad Saleh Al-Suwaiyan 3

1 Department of Geology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Electronic address: salih.awadh@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq.
2 Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: z.yaseen@kfupm.edu.sa.
3 Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Construction and Building Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: msaleh@kfupm.edu.sa.

Abstract

Since genetic factors alone cannot explain most cases of Autism, the environmental factors are worth investigating as they play an essential role in the development of some cases of Autism. This research is a review paper that aims to clarify the role of the macro elements (MEs), Trace elements (TEs) and ultra-trace elements (UTEs) on human health if they are greater or less than the normal range. Aluminium (Al), cadmium Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) have been reviewed. Exposure to toxicants has a chemical effect that may ultimately lead to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Cr, As and Al are found in high concentrations in the blood of an autistic child when compared to normal child reference values. The toxic metals, particularly aluminium, are primarily responsible for difficulties in socialization and language skills disabilities. Zinc and copper are important elements in regulating the gene expression of metallothioneins (MTs), and zinc deficiency may be a risk factor for ASD pathogenesis. Autistics frequently have zinc deficiency combined with copper excess; as part of the treatment protocol, it is critical to monitor zinc and copper levels in autistic people, particularly those with zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency is linked to epileptic seizures, which are common in autistic patients. Higher serum manganese and copper significantly characterize people who have ASD. Autistic children have significantly decreased lead and cadmium in urine, whereas they have significantly higher urine Cr. A higher level of As and Hg was found in the ASD individual’s blood.