PLT Test Blog

In this example of Brain Injury, developing oligodendrocytes are injured and killed by substances released from activated microglia , including nitric oxide and superoxide, which form peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite has been found to kill these cells through the activation of the 12-lipoxygenase pathway for metabolizing arachidonic acid. Mitochondria may be involved in this pathway as a source of reactive oxygen species. Much has been written in this blog about oxidative stress, which has now been extremely well researched in autism and more generally. Let’s recap oxidative stress. The most knowledgeable researcher in this area is Abha Chauhan.   Based on her research and that of others we now know a great deal.   Recall that the body’s key antioxidant is called glutathione (GSH) and when it neutralizes a free radical GSH is converted to its oxidized form, glutathione disulfide (GSSG).   A good measure of oxidative stress is the ratio of  GSH/GSSG. ·    ...

The common form of Leucovorin Calcium is for injection, but it exists in  tablet form.  Maybe another opportunity for intra-nasal delivery? As pointed out by Tyler, Richard Frye has published his trial on the effect of mega-dose folinic acid in children with autism and language impairment. FRAA (folate receptor- α autoantibody) status was predictive of response to treatment.  This means that people who are FRAA positive are likely to really benefit from folinic acid treatment. There are different types of folinic acid .  Dr Frye uses Calcium Leucovorin ( Calcium Folinate ) , which is used in chemotherapy.  It is given by intramuscular injection or orally. Dr Frye uses the oral form. Folinic acid should be distinguished from   folic acid   (vitamin B 9 ). However, folinic acid is a   vitamer   for folic acid, and has the full vitamin activity of this vitamin. The dose is huge by normal standards of vitamin B 9 .  It was 2   mg/   kg ...

Seth Bittker, a regular reader of this blog and our occasional guest blogger, is creating an excellent interview series with leading autism researchers. These interviews will be of interest to all readers of this blog.  There is something for everyone, whether you are the type that reads the literature in detail, or is more interested in the lay summary. There are three interviews, all with podcasts, and more will be added later. 1)     Dr. Richard Frye on folate receptor alpha antibodies and folinic supplementation in autism .  2)    Dr. Robert Hendrenon his recent double blind placebo controlled trial of methyl-B12 in autism .    3)    Dr. Derrick Lonsdale on thiamine deficiency and supplementation of thiamine derivatives in autism .      Good work Seth!  I am sure he will be interested in your suggestions for future interview candidates.  By the way, in the third interview, Dr Lonsdale ref...