Current nutritional approaches in managing autism spectrum disorder: A review

Summary: The link between nutrition and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is a complex developmental disorder manifesting itself in significant delays or deviation in interaction and communication, has provided a fresh point of view and signals that nutrition may have a role in the aetiology of ASD, as well as play an active role in treatment by alleviating symptoms.

Objective: In this review study aimed at evaluating, with scientific and concrete proof, the current medical nutrition implementations on ASD, existing medical nutrition therapies have been addressed and their effects on ASD symptoms have been discussed in light of current research.

Methods: We reviewed articles regarding the medical nutritional therapy of autism on current nutritional approaches selected from PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, and databases about autism and nutrition.

Results: The research put forward that in individuals with ASD, while gluten-free/casein-free and ketogenic diets, camel milk, curcumin, probiotics, and fermentable foods can play a role in alleviating ASD symptoms, consumption of sugar, additives, pesticides, genetically modified organisms, inorganic processed foods, and hard-to-digest starches may aggravate symptoms.

Discussion: Further prospective controlled trials with large sample sizes are needed before recommendations can be made regarding the ideal ASD diet. This review emphasizes the value of identifying current nutritional approaches specific to individuals with ASD and integrating their effects on symptoms to the conversation and presents suggestions for future research designed to identify medical nutrition therapies targeting this population to better understand the link between ASD and nutrition.     

Molecular cloning and cellular expression of the cholesterol synthesizing enzymes during the prenatal development of the optic nerve in the dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius)

The Cholesterol-synthesizing proteins (HMGCS1 and HMGCS2) are mitochondrial enzymes that believed to catalyze the first reaction of ketogenesis, the process by which energy is provided from fats in the absence of carbohydrates. Typically, astrocytes developed from its progenitor cells in the embryonic optic nerve and enriched with HMGCS1 and 2. However, the detailed histomorphology of camel HMGCS1 and 2 remains to be clearly defined. Here, we investigated the changes that associate with astrocytes differentiation within the developing camel optic nerve. Firstly, we isolated cDNAs encoding HMGCS1 and 2 from the optic nerve. Then, we found that HMGCS1 shared high similarity to human, while HMGCS2 showed a lower similarity and was more diverse. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that distinct correlation of astrocytes differentiation with HMGCS1 and 2 expressions in the developing camel optic nerve. Both encoded proteins were localized throughout the cytoplasm, as well as the nuclei of the astrocytes. In addition, semi-quantitative PCR analysis and western analysis confirmed that both HMGCS1 and 2 were highly expressed in camel optic nerve as well as other tissue, but they were lower in both skeletal and heart muscles. Moreover, various stains such as Sudan black and florescence filipin stains were used to visualize the free cholesterol in the astrocytes, indicating the enzymatic activity of HMGCS1 and 2. Together, our study reported the first comprehensive investigation of the molecular cloning and cellular expression of HMGCS1 and 2 in the optic nerve of dromedary camel.     

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk of five dairy species in Ahvaz,Iran

During November 2007 to December 2008, 311 samples of raw milk from cow, water buffalo, camel, sheep, and goat were collected in the Ahvaz (southwest Iran). All of the samples were analyzed for presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by competitive ELISA technique. AFM1 was found in 42.1% of the samples by average concentration of 43.3 ± 43.8 ng/kg. The incidence rates of AFM1 in raw cow, water buffalo, camel, sheep, and goat milks were, 78.7%, 38.7%, 12.5%, 37.3%, and 27.1%, respectively. The concentration of AFM1 in all of the samples were lower than Iranian national standard and FDA limit (500 ng/l), but in 36% of raw cow milk, 8% water buffalo milk, 3.9% sheep milk, and 5.7% raw goat milk samples were higher than maximum tolerance limit accepted by European union/Codex Alimentarius Commission (50 ng/l). The results showed that the milk of camel, goat, and sheep is safe respect to AFM1 contamination in this area.     

Camel urine components display anti-cancer properties in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevance

While camel urine (CU) is widely used in the Arabian Peninsula to treat various diseases, including cancer, its exact mechanism of action is still not defined. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether camel urine has anti-cancer effect on human cells in vitro.

Materials and methods

The annexinV/PI assay was used to assess apoptosis, and immunoblotting analysis determined the effect of CU on different apoptotic and oncogenic proteins. Furthermore, flow cytometry and Elispot were utilized to investigate cytotoxicity and the effect on the cell cycle as well as the production of cytokines, respectively.

Results

Camel urine showed cytotoxicity against various, but not all, human cancer cell lines, with only marginal effect on non-tumorigenic epithelial and normal fibroblast cells epithelial and fibroblast cells. Interestingly, 216 mg/ml of lyophilized CU inhibited cell proliferation and triggered more than 80% of apoptosis in different cancer cells, including breast carcinomas and medulloblastomas. Apoptosis was induced in these cells through the intrinsic pathway via Bcl-2 decrease. Furthermore, CU down-regulated the cancer-promoting proteins survivin, β-catenin and cyclin D1 and increased the level of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. In addition, we have shown that CU has no cytotoxic effect against peripheral blood mononuclear cells and has strong immuno-inducer activity through inducing IFN-γ and inhibiting the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10.

Conclusions

CU has specific and efficient anti-cancer and potent immune-modulator properties in vitro.     

Ultrastructural observations on myoepithelial cells and nerve terminals in the camel Harderian gland

Summary The myoepithelial cells and the nerve terminals of the Harderian gland in the one-humped camel were examined by using the transmission electron microscope. The myoepithelial cells are well developed, and composed of a cell body containing the nucleus, and many cytoplasmic processes. The cytological features are consistent with the function of the myoepithelial cell mainly as a contractile element, and possibly as a regulator for fluid transport. They are attached to the glandular cells of the end-pieces with desmosomes and interdigitating cytoplasmic processes. Densely packed myofilaments fill most of the cytoplasm, and micropinocytosis vesicles on the inner and outer borders are prevalent. The glandular end-pieces are innervated with unmyelinated nerve terminals which have been observed in the interstitial connective tissue. Nerve terminals without neurolemmal sheath penetrating the basal lamina and forming a direct neuroglandular contact with the glandular cells were observed. These intraglandular nerve terminals were found in direct contact with the myoepithelial cells, and contained small clear vesicles and a few larger dense granules.     

Basement membranes in the kidney of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

Basement membranes consist of various proteins, the major ones being laminin and collagen type IV. Primary defects in these two proteins have been extensively associated with kidney pathologies. This study aimed to establish baseline information on the immunohistochemical distribution of laminin and collagen type IV, and to corelate these with the ultrastructure of basal laminae in the uriniferous tubules of the dromedary camel. Tissue samples were taken from the kidneys of eight adult female camels, and processed for immunohistochemical and ultrastructural investigations. Strong intensity of collagen type IV was observed within the basement membranes of Bowman’s capsule. The thickness of the basal lamina of the parietal layer of Bowman's capsule varied extensively depending on the region of the renal corpuscle; the thicker areas were always associated with cuboidal epithelial cells. The glomerular basement membrane revealed strong immunostaining of laminin, whereas the mesangial matrix was strongly immunoreactive to collagen type IV. Abundant amount of laminin was found in the basement membranes of proximal convoluted tubules, thin limbs of the loop of Henle, and collecting ducts. Dense immunostainings of laminin and collagen type IV were observed in the medullary regions of uriniferous tubule, in which numerous projections extended from the basal laminae into the subjacent connective tissue. Overall, the present study revealed marked variations in the distribution of the basement membrane markers laminin and collagen type IV in the uriniferous tubules of camel kidney. The results have also shown difference in the thickness of basal laminae. This variation in thickness, however, was unlikely to be influenced by the amount of laminin and collagen type IV.     

Cross-over clinical trial for evaluating the safety of camel's milk intake in patients who are allergic to cow's milk protein

Background

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) affects between 0.6 and 0.9% of the general population, and its treatment implies the total elimination of the intake of this protein. Camel's milk has been suggested as an alternative for patients over one year of age who suffer from CMPA due to the difference in the amino acid sequence from that of cow's milk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of camel's milk in children with CMPA.

Anticancer Activity of Camel Milk via Induction of Autophagic Death in Human Colorectal and Breast Cancer Cells

Background/ Objective: Camel milk is traditionally known for its human health benefits and believed to be a remedyfor various human ailments including cancer. The study was aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of commerciallyavailable camel milk on cancer cells and its underlying mechanism(s). Materials and Methods: Two cell lines:colorectal cancer HCT 116 and breast cancer MCF-7 were cultured with different doses of camel milk. The effects ofcamel milk on cell death were determined by MTT assay, viability by trypan blue exclusion assay and migration by invitro scratch assay. The mechanism was elucidated by western blotting and confocal microscopy was used to confirmautophagy. Results: Camel milk significantly reduced proliferation, viability as well as migration of both the cells.The accumulation of LC3-II protein along with reduction in expression of p62 and Atg 5-12, the autophagy proteinsimplied induction of autophagy. The (GFP)-LC3 puncta detected by confocal microscopy confirmed the autophagosomeformation in response to camel milk treatment. Conclusion: Camel milk exerted antiproliferative effects on humancolorectal HCT 116 and breast MCF-7 cancer cells by inducing autophagy.