Autism, Heavy Metals, BDNF and HSP-70

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing using Custom Quantibody® Array

We recently completed testing blood serum from ASD children. These children were all from Central Europe and lived in cities with heavy industries. All had elevated levels of heavy metals like Aluminum and Copper. We believe that these levels may be contributing to the pathogenesis of the ASD symptoms.

Though the sample was small, the results were striking. The elevated levels of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP 70) is consistent with high heavy metal toxicity. Studies have reported both elevated and decreased levels of Brian Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) vs healthy controls, but is always reduced in subjects with high heavy metal blood serum levels. Could these elevated heavy metals be a root factor ASD Children?

Based on these findings, we have proposed a 2 pronged treatment strategy:

1. Bring heavy metal serum levels into acceptable balance.
2. Treat ASD children with natural stem cell enhancing substances

Stem Cells are immune/inflammation supressive and capable of repairing tissue damage. Our theory is that this could result in improvement in ASD related symptoms. Testing serum levels of BDNF, HSP-70 and other select bio-markers would confirm therapeutic efficacy.

I will be posting results updates here so stay tuned.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Biomarkers

We used our IFN-gamma and BDNF Sandwich Elisa Kits to test the levels of these biomarkers in the blood serum of 2 individuals with Austism Spectrum Disorder. We anticipated  that BDNF would be significantly up or down regulated and IFN-gamma up regulated as confirmed by the literature. see 10.1371/journal.pone.0020470 , DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020470 and DOI: 10.1111/acps.12071.

Our testing results showed:

Figure 1: ASD and Biomarker Levels

Based on these initial findings we are developing a custom Quantibody® Antibody Array designed for the fine tuned testing of individuals with ASD. The biomarkers included in the array will be: HSP70, TGF-beta2, 

Caspase-7, IFN-gamma and BDNF.

Figure 2: ASD Markers vs Controls

These panels will enable us to determine the severity of ASD. From the results, we will be working with our collaborators to determine potential cell based therapies for improving the symptom and behaviors of ASD sufferers. As part of the therapeutic regimes the panels can then be used check on progress towards "wellness". 

This a key initiative for us in 2014 so stay tuned.