A recent study found a connection between fatty acid metabolites in the umbilical cord and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study was published in the journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and conducted by Japanese scientists from the University of Fukui's Research Centre. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the learning capability and social behaviour of people.

There has been an increase in the understanding of ASD, its prevalence and its impact on the lives of those who have been diagnosed with it. While the origins of ASD are still unknown, the information that comes with the recent study reveals that neuroinflammation plays a significant role.

The new study reveals that pregnancy-related exposure to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their metabolites may have a significant impact on the development of ASD, according to research using mice models of the disorder. PUFA metabolites controlled by cytochrome P450 (CYP) impact foetal development, leading to deficits strongly associated with symptoms of ASD.

However, further research is required to understand whether the same holds true for humans as it is yet to be determined. To understand this, a Japanese research team led by Professor Hideo Matsuzaki of the University of Fukui's Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Dr Takaharu Hirai of the Department of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing at the School of Nursing, and Dr Naoko Umeda of the Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing at the same university examined the levels of CYP-PUFA in neonatal umbilical cord blood samples.

This research highlights the potential origins of ASD. Prof. Matsuzaki said, “CYP metabolism forms both epoxy fatty acids (EpFAs), which have anti-inflammatory effects, and dihydroxy fatty acids, or ‘diols,’ which have inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that the dynamics of CYP-PUFA metabolites during the fetal period, that is, lower EpFA levels, higher diol levels, and/or increased EpFA metabolic enzymes would influence ASD symptoms and difficulties with daily functioning in children after birth

To test this hypothesis, the researchers investigated the link between PUFA metabolites in umbilical cord blood and ASD scores in 200 children. The cord blood samples had been collected immediately after birth and preserved appropriately, whereas ASD symptoms and adaptive functioning were assessed when the same children were six years old, with the help of their mothers.

After careful statistical analyses of the results, the researchers identified one compound in cord blood that may have strong implications for ASD severity, namely 11,12- dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (diHETrE), a dihydroxy fatty acid derived from arachidonic acid.

Prof. Matsuzaki highlights, “The levels of diHETrE, an arachidonic acid-derived diol, in cord blood at birth significantly impacted subsequent ASD symptoms in children and were also associated with impaired adaptive functioning. These findings suggest that the dynamics of diHETrE during the fetal period is important in the developmental trajectory of children after birth.”

Prof. Matsuzaki said, “The effectiveness of early intervention for children with ASD is well established and detecting it at birth could enhance intervention and support for children with ASD.” He also adds that inhibiting diHETrE metabolism during pregnancy might be a promising avenue for preventing ASD traits in children, although more research will be needed in this regard.