Biometals in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Biometals in Autism Spectrum Disorders focuses on trace metals and autism. Compared to other references examining ASDs or metallomics, this book presents findings of abnormal metal homeostasis in ASD, providing an overview of current findings on trace metal biology, its role in ASD etiology, and how abnormal trace metal biology may be a common factor of several genetic and non-genetic causes of ASDs that were once considered unrelated. This comprehensive resource opens new vistas for the development of new therapies based on the targeted manipulation of trace metal homeostasis that will generate new awareness surrounding trac metal levels during pregnancy.

Reviews the role of trace metals in brain developmentSummarizes research linking trace metals and autismExplores heterogenous phenotypes as a factor of genetic and non-genetic factorsIncludes animal and human stem researchContains many useful diagrams, tables and flow chartsProposes future therapies based on biometal homeostasis

1. Introduction to Metallomics: The Science of Biometals 2. Measuring Biometals 3. The history of metals in autism spectrum disorders 4. Essential trace metals and their function in brain development 5. Non-essential metals and their brain pathology 6. Biometals and nutrition in Autism Spectrum Disorders 7. Linking trace metal abnormalities to Autism - insights from epidemiological studies 8. The specific role of zinc in Autism Spectrum Disorder 9. Animal models for trace metal abnormalities - links to Autism 10. Animal models for Autism - links to biometals abnormalities 11. Human stem cell models linking biometals abnormalities and Autism 12. Extracerebral biometals in Autism Spectrum Disorders: the gut-brain axis 13. Biometal homeostasis as therapeutic strategy in Autism Spectrum Disorders 14. Future perspectives: Autism, a disorder of biometal imbalance?