Lithium shows promise in treating autism-related symptoms in mouse study

Skip to comments.

Posted on 12/25/2024 4:59:40 PM PST by ConservativeMind

A discovery has highlighted lithium—a drug long used to treat bipolar disorder and depression—as a potential therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This research reveals that lithium can restore brain function and alleviate behavioral symptoms in animal models of ASD caused by mutations in the Dyrk1a gene.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 2.8% of the global population, characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, intellectual challenges, and anxiety. There are no definitive treatments or preventive measures.

Among the many genetic risk factors for ASD, Dyrk1a mutations stand out as significant.

One of the underlying mechanisms of ASD symptoms by Dyrk1a mutation is impaired phosphorylation levels of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). To find the specific substrate of Dyrk1a, the researchers needed to generate mice lacking Dyrk1a expression.

The authors found that the phosphorylation levels of various elements of the mTOR pathway, and mTOR itself were altered by Dyrk1a expression levels.

Accordingly, they have chosen lithium to address this deficit, and as a tentative cure drug in Dyrk1a mutant mice. When lithium was administered to the mutant mice during their juvenile period, the results were remarkable. Lithium normalized brain size, restored the structure and function of excitatory neurons, and significantly improved behaviors related to anxiety and social interaction. Even more promising, the effects of this short-term treatment lasted into adulthood, suggesting that lithium may have long-term benefits by enabling structural and functional recovery in the brain.

Director Kim Eunjoon emphasized the potential impact of these findings, stating, "Our research shows that lithium, a widely used drug for bipolar disorder, could also serve as a treatment for ASD. The fact that its effects persist long after treatment ends underscores the importance of early intervention during critical developmental windows."

(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...

Hey! FReepers!
Help Fill The Tank!
How About It? Huh?
It Ain't Askin' Too Much
Ya Know....

Click here: to donate by Credit Card

Or here: to donate by PayPal

Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794

Thank you very much and God bless you.

A little lithium early on could permanently autism symptoms, it appears.

To: Mazey; ckilmer; goodnesswins; Jane Long; jy8z; ProtectOurFreedom; matthew fuller; telescope115; ...

2 posted on 12/25/2024 5:00:16 PM PST by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson