April is traditionally celebrated by the UN as “Autism Awareness Month”. Scientists around the world are focusing on autism spectrum disorders due to the apparent increase in their prevalence over the last decade and its severe consequences.
According to the World Health Organization, one in 160 children worldwide has an autism spectrum disorder. YSMU Neuroscience Laboratory also has its mission in the international scientific field of autism studies.
We talked about the research on autism in the field of neuroscience in Armenia with Konstantin Yenkoyan- YSMU Vice rector on scientific Affairs , the head of Neuroscience department, professor.
– Mr. Yenkoyan, when did the research on autism start in Armenia?
– The first study conducted at YSMU 10 years ago was aimed at quantifying a number of metabolites and heavy metals in the blood of children with autism and assessing possible deviations in the immune system. This research project was implemented in cooperation with a number of YSMU and US laboratories. After some time, the COBRAIN Armenia research team was founded to study the disorders of the autistic spectrum.
– What is the stage of scientific research on autism? What are the results at this point?
– With the latest equipment acquired in recent years, the neuroscience laboratory makes it possible to have living cells in artificial conditions outside the body for research. This allows you to get primary cultures of nerve cells, to study the metabolism of individual cells, as well as the processes of their development and differentiation. The innovative method makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of biowaste during research.
Currently, there are studies aimed at modeling autism spectrum disorders in laboratory animals. About five animal models were studied, the latter were validated, evaluated by various behavioral, biochemical, morphological and electrophysiological methods.
The results of the research are regularly published in high-ranking international scientific magazines and presented at international conferences.
– What is the scope of autism research in Armenia?
– Within the framework of our research, the medical records of children aged 0-18 with autism spectrum diseases registered in Yerevan health centers and of regions of the Republic of Armenia are examined, the data are entered in the relevant database-register. In the future, case mapping will be performed with ARC GIS software. A statistical analysis of the prevalence of diseases, their structure (by sex, place of residence, specific case of the disease, etc.) will be performed.
– Despite the fact that from an etiological point of view autism has not yet been fully identified, what are the main causes of childhood autism?
– Genetics, as well as a number of environmental factors, can play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorders, which can affect the prenatal and postnatal periods. One of the causes of childhood autism is the presence of heavy metals in the environment, so the role of heavy metals is the focus of our scientists. Due to this, with the consent of the parents, hair samples will be taken from the children diagnosed with autism, and laboratory tests will be performed. Quantitative content of lead, mercury, copper, and arsenic-cadmium will be studied in the samples. In addition, the use of certain teratogens during pregnancy, such as the use of antiepileptic drugs, is considered a risk factor.
In the United States and in Europe current estimates of heredity range from 50 to 95%. Identifying environmental risk factors is especially important because, unlike genetic risk factors, they can be prevented. People with a diagnosis of autism can and must be happy, each of us can and must have a contribution to achieve a full and secure life.