Nutrient Combination Shows Promise in Mouse Models of Autism
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – A new study from Academia Sinica in Taiwan suggests a low-dose combination of zinc, serine, and branched-chain amino acids may alleviate behavioral challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Published December 2nd in PLOS Biology, the research demonstrates that this nutrient blend strengthens communication between neurons and improves social interactions in three diffrent mouse models of ASD.
Researchers, led by Tzyy-Nan Huang and Ming-Hui Lin, investigated the potential of combining these nutrients, each previously linked to improved neural connectivity, to achieve a synergistic effect. Their experiments revealed that the combination shifted synaptic protein expression in autistic mice towards levels seen in typical mice and reduced overactivity in the amygdala, a brain region crucial for social behavior.
Importantly, improvements in social behavior were only observed when the nutrients were administered together. Individual supplements at the same doses showed no notable effect, highlighting the importance of their combined action.
“As hundreds of genes are implicated in autism, a ‘one gene-one therapy’ approach is impractical,” explains Yi-Ping Hsueh. “Our findings suggest a low-dose nutrient mixture offers a safer and more practical strategy for long-term, broad request, even beginning in childhood.”
The team was notably encouraged by the speed of the observed effects. “Just seven days of treatment significantly modulated neuronal circuit activity and connectivity in real time,” notes Ming-Hui Lin. Tzyy-Nan Huang adds,”It is exciting to see that combining these nutrients at low doses successfully restores synaptic function and enhances social behaviors in three different mouse models.”
This research underscores the potential of multi-nutrient approaches to address the complex neurological underpinnings of ASD.
Funding: This work was supported by grants from academia Sinica, Taiwan (AS-IA-111-L01 to Y.-P.H.) and the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (NSTC 113-2326-B-001-008 and 114-2326-B-001-005 to Y.-P.H.). The funding organizations had no role in the studyS design, execution, or publication.
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