PSYCH 2AP3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Neurochemistry, Pleiotropy, Microbiota

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH 2AP3
• Professor: Richard B Day

Document Summary

Elevated blood levels in 33% of autism patients. Synthesis normally down by age 5; in autism rises to 150% of normal adult level between ages 2 and 15 years. Up to 25% of asd associated with autoimmune attacks on fetal brain. Saresella et al (2016): compared pre-inflammatory cytokines in asd, healthy siblings, healthy controls. More inflammatory cytokines in asd than others. High prevalence of gi problems in asd children; gi problems more severe. Adams et al (2011): compared gi flora and status in asd, controls. Caused by different genes in different cases. Chromosomes 3, 5, 6, 7, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20. Cnv on chromosomes 2, 3, 7, 15, 16, 22. Overall, chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 7, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22. Grafodatskaya (2010): genetic syndromes comorbid with asd suggest epigenetics. Brain activated genes lead to neural overgrowth (vs. undergrowth for maternal imprinted genes) Consistent with intense world theory & extreme male brain theory.