28 research outputs found
Aandachtspunten bij de selectie van leerplatformen
No full textsponsorship: DUO / ICTO.status: Publishe
Serum Testosterone Concentration in Male Autistic Youngsters
No full textAbstract OBJECTIVE: Research on the biological pathophysiology of autism has found some evidence that alterations in androgenic hormones may play a role in the pathophysiology of that disorder. We studied morning concentrations of serum testosterone in a very homogenic group of postpubertal youngsters with autism and a group of normal controls. METHODS: This study examines the serum testosterone concentration on 9 consecutive time points between 08.00 AM and 12.00 AM in 18 high-functioning male youngsters with autism (age 12-18) and 22 healthy volunteers participated in this study. All subjects passed the onset of puberty (Tanner-stage III-IV) and were of the Caucasian race. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant time effect, with a decline in the testosterone concentration during the test and time X diagnosis interaction.The total testosterone concentration was significantly lower in the autism group compared to the group of normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: The significant decrease in serum testosterone concentration in male youngsters with autism suggest that the turnover of testosterone may take part in the pathophysiology of autism. Suggestions for further research are discussed
Prolyl endopeptidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV are associated with externalizing and aggressive behaviors in normal and autistic adolescents
No full textAbstract: Aims: Peptides and a dysregulated immune system play a role in the pathophysiology of autism. Dysfunctions in prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) may underpin both the peptidergic and immune alterations in autism. The aims of this study are to: (i) delineate serum PEP and DPP-IV enzyme activities in autism, and (ii) examine the associations between both peptidases and behavioral characteristics or immune variables. Main methods: We included 18 autistic patients and 22 healthy controls and measured the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), serum PEP and DPP-IV and immune biomarkers, i.e. the serum protein fractions alpha 1, alpha 2 and gamma, and immunoglobulins, i. e. IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. Results were adjusted for possible effects of age and body mass index (BMI). Key findings: There were no significant differences in PEP or DPP-IV between the autistic patients and controls. DPP-IV was significantly and positively associated with the CBCL attention problems, aggressive and externalizing behavior subscales. PEP was significantly and positively associated with the CBCL delinquent, aggressive, externalizing and internalizing behavior subscales. There was a negative correlation between both peptidases and age and Tanner stage. DPP-IV was associated with alpha 2-globulin (positively) and IgG3 (inversely) levels, while PEP activity was correlated with IgG2 levels (inversely). BMI was significantly associated with aggressive and externalizing behaviors. Significance: These findings demonstrate an association between peptidases and aggressive and externalizing behaviors, which may be explained by effects of these peptidases cleaving behavioral neuropeptides. Both peptidases are associated with immune biomarkers suggesting multiple bidirectional effects. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Risperidone in the treatment of childhood autistic disorder : an open pilot study
No full textAbstract: Objective: To evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of risperidone in childhood autistic disorder. Methods: A multicenter, open-label, dose-titration study involving seven autistic children (mean age 7.6years) receiving risperidone for 4 weeks. Results: Mean dose was 0.01 mg/kg/day on day 1, 0.019 mg/kg/day on day 7 (range 0.01-0.041 mg/kg/day) and 0.035 mg/kg/day on day 28 (range 0.014-0.064mg/kg/day). Over the 4-week period, the Ritvo-Freeman Real Life Rating Scale total score measuring autistic behavior was significantly decreased (P = 0.019), as was the affectual reactions subscale (P = 0.029). Aberrant Behavior Checklist total score was significantly improved (P < 0.001), as were all subscales except inappropriate speech. Visual Analog Scale for individual target symptoms was significantly decreased (P = 0.001), and Clinical Global Impression severity of illness score was significantly improved (P = 0.006). The incidence of adverse effects was low, and no extrapyramidal symptoms were observed. No significant changes or clinically relevant abnormalities occurred in laboratory tests, vital signs or electrocardiograms. Plasma concentrations of the drug were similar to those in adult patients. Conclusions: These favorable results suggest that larger controlled trials of risperidone should be performed in autistic or mentally retarded patients with behavioral disturbances
