Does Lead Have a Connection to Autism? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2023
Тип документа:
Чланак у часопису (Објављена верзија)
Метаподаци
Приказ свих података о документуАпстракт:
Environmental pollutants, particularly toxic trace metals with neurotoxic potential, have
been related to the genesis of autism. One of these metals that stands out, in particular, is lead (Pb).
We conducted an in-depth systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies on Pb levels
in biological materials retrieved from autistic children (cases) and neurotypical children (controls)
in this work. A systematic review was conducted after the careful selection of published studies
according to established criteria to gain a broad insight into the higher or lower levels of Pb in the
biological materials of cases and controls, and the findings were then strengthened by a meta-analysis.
The meta-analysis included 17 studies (hair), 13 studies (whole blood), and 8 studies (urine). The
overall number of controls/cases was 869/915 (hair), 670/755 (whole blood), and 344/373 (urine).
This meta-analysis showed significantly higher Pb levels in all three types of biological material in
cases than in controls, suggesting a higher body Pb burden in autistic children. Thus, environmental
Pb exposure could be related to the genesis of autism. Since no level of Pb can be considered safe,
the data from this study undoubtedly point to the importance of regularly monitoring Pb levels in
autistic children.
Кључне речи:
Lead; Autism; Biologicam material; Systematic review; Meta-analysisИзвор:
Toxics, 2023, 11, 9, 753-Финансирање / пројекти:
- Министарство науке, технолошког развоја и иновација Републике Србије, институционално финансирање - 200007 (Универзитет у Београду, Институт за биолошка истраживања 'Синиша Станковић') (RS-MESTD-inst-2020-200007)
- Министарство науке, технолошког развоја и иновација Републике Србије, институционално финансирање - 200161 (Универзитет у Београду, Фармацеутски факултет) (RS-MESTD-inst-2020-200161)