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Kids With Autism May Have Gene That Causes Muscle Weakness

Date:
April 15, 2008
Source:
American Academy of Neurology
Summary:
Some kids with autism may have a genetic defect that affects the muscles, according to new research. The study looked at 37 children with autism spectrum disorders who were evaluated for mitochondrial disease, which causes muscle weakness and prevents a child from being able to participate in physical activities and sports.
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Some kids with autism may have a genetic defect that affects the muscles, according to new research.

The study looked at 37 children with autism spectrum disorders who were evaluated for mitochondrial disease, which causes muscle weakness and prevents a child from being able to participate in physical activities and sports. Mitochondrial disease occurs when genetic mutations affect the mitochondria, or the part of the cell that releases energy.

A total of 24 of the children, or 65 percent, had defects in the process by which cells produce and synthesize energy in the muscles, or oxidative phosphorylation defects in the skeletal muscles.

"Most children with autism spectrum disorders do not have recognizable abnormalities when you look at genetic tests, imaging, and metabolic tests," said study author John Shoffner, MD, owner of Medical Neurogenetics, LLC in Atlanta, GA, and member of the American Academy of Neurology. "But a subset of these children does have significant defects in this area. Identifying this defect is important for understanding how genes that produce autism spectrum disorders impact the function of the mitochondria."

This research was presented at the American Academy of Neurology 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 12--19, 2008. The study was supported by Medical Neurogenetics, which conducted the testing.


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Materials provided by American Academy of Neurology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


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American Academy of Neurology. "Kids With Autism May Have Gene That Causes Muscle Weakness." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 15 April 2008. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080413161104.htm>.
American Academy of Neurology. (2008, April 15). Kids With Autism May Have Gene That Causes Muscle Weakness. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080413161104.htm
American Academy of Neurology. "Kids With Autism May Have Gene That Causes Muscle Weakness." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080413161104.htm (accessed March 19, 2024).

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