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Male preconception antioxidant supplementation may lower autism risk: a call for studies

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Abstract

Current research indicates that a sizable number of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases arise from de novo mutations (DNMs) occurring within the paternal germline, usually in an age-dependent manner. Andrologists have reported that somatic cells and gametes share the same pathologies that generate these DNMs—specifically, DNA hypomethylation caused by oxidative nucleoside base damage. Because many ASD researchers seek to identify genetic risk factors, teams are developing methods of assessing aberrant DNA patterns, such as parental gonadal mosaicism. Several studies propose antioxidant supplementation as a strategy to lower autism risk, and/or suggest connections between childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and paternally-derived DNMs. Actual data, however, are currently not available to determine whether male preconception antioxidant supplementation effectively lowers autism risk. The purpose of this paper is to (1) explore the mechanisms causing DNMs, specifically DNA hypomethylation; (2) explain how antioxidant supplementation may lower the risk of having a child with ASD; and, (3) advocate for the implementation of large prospective studies testing (2). These studies may very well find that male preconception supplementation with antioxidants prevents neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, in much the same way that female prenatal consumption of folate was found to decrease the risk of birth defects. If this is indeed the case, the alarming rise in autism prevalence rates of the past few decades will slow—or even cease—upon the initiation of public awareness campaigns.

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Acknowledgments

I am grateful for the chemistry and biochemistry support provided to me by a number of faculty at Salem College: Dr. Rebecca Dunn, for her expertise in genetics; Dr. Traci Porter, for her expertise in biostatistics; and Dr. Jing Ye, for her expertise in biochemistry. I also extend appreciation to Dr. Craig Miller for his support and mentoring. I especially wish to thank Dr. Douglas Linebarrier for his great knowledge of organic chemistry as well as his enthusiasm, encouragement, and guidance in the research and composition of this paper.

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  1. Biochemistry Department, Salem College, 601 S. Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA

    Tara Staley

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One author, Tara Staley, contributed to the study conception, research and composition. Material preparation, data collection and formatting were performed by Tara Staley. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Tara Staley. Her biochemistry advisor, Douglas Linebarrier, PhD, Associate Professor, Salem College, provided guidance throughout the research and composition process and provided commentary on previous versions of the manuscript. Staley’s biometry advisor, Traci Porter, PhD, Associate Professor, Salem College, provided guidance on all correlation tests and statistical analyses included in the paper. The author and her advisors approved the information herein.

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Correspondence to Tara Staley.

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Staley, T. Male preconception antioxidant supplementation may lower autism risk: a call for studies. J Assist Reprod Genet 37, 2955–2962 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-01949-6

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