A Reflection on 'A theory of Autism, Parkinson's, ALS, Oil Refineries and Other Disease States'.

There is a growing interest amongst academic researchers of the role of environmental agents involved in the development of autism, such as chemical toxins, which could act during critical pre and early post natal development. Autistic spectrum disorders are a cluster of related neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by varying degrees of impaired socialisation, reduced communication, and limited / repetitive and stereotyped interests and activities. Patients with autistic spectrum disorders are often reported to have disturbances which can impact upon an individuals metabolism, immune function, and gene expression. The lack of understanding of the relationship between the brain and the behaviour of autistic patients has hindered the development of effective methods for the diagnosis and management of autism. In fact, a significant limiting factor in understanding this relationship lies in the difficulties associated with obtaining brain tissue from both autistic and neurotypical patients.

As argued by Czap (2016) recently it has been shown that the ratio of important substances in the diet, can be linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder. It has been known for sometime that imbalances in diet can also lead to Autism, Parkinson's, ALS, ADHD and other disease states. The human body absorbs dietary requirements through the gut into the blood flow, however, the challenge lies therein as a blood brain barrier is said to exist to stop humans accessing the brain circuitry via blood.

In fact, one of the most important dietary considerations for those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder is a diet high in Fiber; this is so that Short Chain Fatty Acids can be produced by the body. The human gut is said to use trillions of micro-organisms to ferment insoluble fibre into Short Chain Fatty Acids; namely acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. This ultimately provides energy and helps those with autism to participate in host-signalling mechanisms.

Acetic acid is often recognised as the most prominent Short Chain Fatty Acid.

Propionic acid is found in commercial bread, buns, English muffins, tortillas, and anything baked that has an extended shelf life. It is listed under ingredients, usually in the finer small print. Propionic acid is naturally present in a variety of food products including cheese and is commonly used as an antifungal preservative, particularly in refined wheat and dairy products. There are many scientific studies which analyse the effect of Propionic acid on the social behaviour of rats; whereby the effect of such an ingredient can be similar to having a wasp stinger injecting an irritant into the brain.

Propionic acid and butyric acid are also closely referenced in literature. Similar to the way in which fuel is produced, the body favours acetic acid and propionic acid as this is easier to break down. Further, it has been proposed to have weight loss, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol lowering properties. Propionic acid is a Short Chain Fatty Acid and an important intermediate of cellular metabolism. Although propionic acid has several beneficial effects, the accumulation of it is known to be neurotoxic. To a new-born baby, propionic acid can be devastating, including changes such as hyperactivity, dystonia, social impairment, and perseveration, as well as innate neuroinflammation and glutathione depletion. To a young adolescent, Propionic acid can build up to toxic levels inducing intracellular acidification which may alter neurotransmitter releases and ultimately neuronal communication and behaviour. Propionic acid also influences cell signalling, neurotransmitter synthesis and release, free radical production, mitochondrial production, lipid metabolism, immune function, gap junction gating, intracellular pH maintenance and modulation of gene expression. Treatment includes reduction of carbohydrate and protein contents in the diet, eradication of propionic acid producing bacteria and carnitine supplementation to improve propionic acid clearance.

On the other hand, it could also be argued that the recent impact of the altered human microbiome has been triggered by an altered Western diet, coupled with the high exposure of antibiotics and disinfectants to human beings. It could be these reasons for the increased prevalence of Autism spectrum disorders (Derrick and MacFabe, 2012).

References

Czam, A (2016) 'A theory of Autism, Parkinson's, ALS, Oil Refineries and Other Disease States'

Derrick, F and MacFabe (2012) 'Short-chain fatty acid fermentation products of the gut microbiome: implications in autism spectrum disorders', Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, pp 1 - 18.

Frye RE et al (2016) 'Modulation of mitochondrial function by the microbiome metabolite propionic acid in autism and control cell lines', Transl Psychiatry, pp 1 - 10.

Frye RE et al (2015) 'Approaches to studying and manipulating the enteric microbiome to improve autism symptoms', Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease (26), pp 1 - 14

Slattery et al (2016) 'Enteric ecosystem disruption in autism spectrum disorder: can the microbiota and macrobiota be restored?', Current Pharmaceutical Design (22), pp 1 -15

Adams et al (2011) 'Gastrointestinal flora and gastro-intestinal status in children with autism - comparisons to typical children and correlation with autism severity' (11), pp 1 - 13

Wang et al (2012) 'Elevated Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acid and Ammonia Concentrations in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder'