Factors associated with blood mercury concentrations and their interactions with three glutathione S-transferase genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1): an exposure assessment study of typically developing Jamaican children.

BACKGROUND: Jamaican soil is abundant in heavy metals including mercury (Hg). Due to availability and ease of access, fish is a traditional dietary component in Jamaica and a significant source of Hg exposure. Mercury is a xenobiotic and known neuro-toxicant that affects children's neurodevelopment. Human glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes, including GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1, affect Hg conjugation and elimination mechanisms. METHODS: In this exposure assessment study we used data from 375 typically developing (TD) 2-8-year-old Jamaican children to explore the association between environmental Hg exposure, GST genes, and their interaction effects on blood Hg concentrations (BHgCs). We used multivariable general linear models (GLMs). RESULTS: We identified the child's age, consumption of saltwater fish, canned fish (sardine, mackerel), string beans, grain, and starches (pasta, macaroni, noodles) as the environmental factors significantly associated with BHgCs (all P < 0.05). A significant interaction between consumption of canned fish (sardine, mackerel) and GSTP1 in relation to BHgC using either a co-dominant or recessive genetic model (overall interaction P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively) indicated that consumption of canned fish (sardine, mackerel) was significantly associated with higher mean BHgC only among children with the GSTP1 Ile105Val, Ile/Ile [Ratio of mean Hg (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.09, 2.32), P = 0.02] and Ile/Val [Ratio of mean Hg (95% CI) = 1.46 (1.12, 1.91), P = 0.01] genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Since this is the first study from Jamaica to report these findings, replication in other populations is recommended.

JA KIDS - Jamaica's second national birth cohort study: aims and methods.

Birth cohort studies across the world have yielded information that has been used to inform policy and programme decisions that have improved the health and well-being of populations. A few such studies have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries due to funding, methodological and other challenges. This paper briefly reviews the methods of comprehensive birth cohort studies with extensive follow-up of participants through the life course conducted in low- and middle-income countries. It then reviews the first Jamaican birth cohort study of 1986 and discusses the methodological advances in implementing JA KIDS, the second Jamaican birth cohort study conducted in 2011. The aims and methods of JA KIDS are described in detail.

Does household size matter? Crowding and its effects on child development.

There is very little compelling evidence that household size negatively affects child development. In this study, the effects of household size on child development were analysed using data collected for a sample of 1311 four-year-old Jamaican children. Children's development was assessed using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales across six developmental domains: locomotor, personal-social, language, coordination, performance and practical reasoning. The findings suggest that children's locomotor and personal-social development are negatively affected by household crowding, with no significant effects observed for other domains. Additional results show that these adverse effects are strongest if the child lives in a single room compared to a separately detached house. This evidence speaks to the need to tailor policies towards access to good housing infrastructure and the provision of recreational spaces to encourage play and social interaction among children.

Epidemiology of violence against young children in Jamaica.

Violence against young children is known to have detrimental short and long-term effects. Yet, few studies investigate the prevalence of violence against young children, particularly very young children under the age of 2 years. This paper reports on the prevalence of violence against young children in Jamaica using data obtained from the JA KIDS birth cohort study that undertook pre-enrolment of pregnant mothers in the antenatal period and followed full or sub-samples of parents and children at 9-12 months, 18-22 months and 4-5 years. Violence in pregnancy was experienced by 6.1% of pre-enrolled mothers. As many as 43.1% of Jamaican children ages 9-12 months were shouted at, and almost 30% were slapped. Physical and emotional violence increased with age, and by 4-5 years, approximately 90% of children experienced physical and emotional violence. Non-violent methods, primarily explaining and reasoning with children, were also reported by more than 95% of parents at 4-5 years. Corporal punishment was the most common form of violence experienced, but young children also witnessed hurtful physical and emotional violence between mothers and their partners and lived in communities in which there were violent events. Strategies to reduce young children's experiences as victims and witnesses of violence are discussed.

Neonatal Outcome of Babies Born to Women 40 Years and Older in a Jamaican Birth Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the outcome of babies born to women ≥40 years in a Jamaican birth cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal demographic data and neonatal data for women ≥40 years who delivered live singleton babies and their younger counterparts aged 20 30 years were extracted from the JA KIDS birth cohort dataset. Outcome measures were preterm birth, low birth weight, very low birth weight, extremely low birth weight, macrosomia, a low 5-minute Apgar score <7, admission to the neonatal unit, and neonatal death. Descriptive analyses were performed; statistical significance was taken at the level p <0.05. RESULTS: A total of 5,424 women and their babies were entered into the study, 5,099 (94%) women were aged 20 to 30 years (mean age ± standard deviation [SD]: 24.5 ± 3.2 years) and 325 (6%) were aged ≥40 years (mean age ± SD: 41.5 ± 1.6 years). A greater percentage of preterm babies (18%) were born to women ≥40 years than to their younger counterparts (14%; p = 0.04). There was no difference in the proportion of low birth weight infants, very low birth weight infants, or extremely low birth weight infants born between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the proportion of babies who were macrosomic and in those who had a low 5-minute Apgar score <7. There were 866 (16%) neonatal admissions, 67/325 (21%) of these babies were born to women aged ≥40 years and 799/5,099 (16%) were born to their younger counterparts (p = 0.01). The commonest reason for admission was prematurity. While 60 babies died, there was no significant difference between both groups with 56 (1%) born to women 20 to 30 years and 4 (1%) born to women ≥40 years (p = 0.48). CONCLUSION: Adverse outcomes noted for babies born to women ≥40 years were prematurity and the need for neonatal admission. However, no excess mortality was recorded. KEY POINTS: · Women 40 years and older are more likely to have a chronic illness such as hypertension and diabetes and to have an operative delivery.. · Babies born to women 40 years and older are more likely to be late premature infants and require neonatal admission.. · However, there is no increased risk of neonatal mortality..

ECD - Pregnancy outcomes of a birth cohort. Are adolescent mothers really at more risk?

This sub-study within the JAKIDS longitudinal cohort study compares medical and psychosocial outcomes of pregnancy in younger adolescent mothers (<16 years), older adolescent mothers (16-19 years) and adult mothers (>19 years) in Jamaica. Participants were recruited from July to September 2011 and included 9521 mother-infant dyads; mean maternal age 26.0 years (SD 6.8). Adolescent mothers represented 19.1% (n = 1822) of the sample - 1704 older adolescent mothers (17.9%) and 118 younger adolescent mothers (1.2%). Participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires regarding their sexual and reproductive health history, feelings about the current pregnancy, and presence of anxious and depressive symptoms. Data on delivery and perinatal and neonatal outcomes were extracted from hospital charts. Younger adolescent mothers were more likely to deliver preterm (p < 0.001) and low birth weight infants (p < 0.001) than older adolescent and adult mothers. Younger adolescent mothers had lower levels of antenatal anxiety regarding the pregnancy and its outcome (p < 0.001) while prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms antenatally (EPDS ≥11) was similar across age groups. Older adolescent mothers with significant depressive symptoms had increased odds of preterm delivery. These findings call for close antenatal monitoring of younger adolescent mothers and highlight the need for psychological services for all mothers.

Neonatal mortality in the 2011 JAKIDS birth cohort.

This study aimed to determine the mortality in a Jamaican birth cohort over a 3-month period. Data on the outcome of 87.5% of all births in Jamaica between July and September 2011 were used to determine trends in and determinants of neonatal mortality. There were 9650 live births and 144 neonatal deaths yielding a Neonatal Mortality Rate of 14.9/1000 (95% CI: 12.6-17.52/1000) livebirths. One hundred and twenty-one (84%) deaths occurred within the first seven days of life giving an Early Neonatal Mortality Rate of 12.5/1000 (95%CI: 10.4-15.0/1000) livebirths and a Late Neonatal Mortality Rate of 2.38/1000 (95%CI: 1.51-3.57/1000) live births. Sixty-nine (48%) deaths occurred within the first 24 hours. Thirty-eight neonates (26%) died prior to being admitted to a neonatal unit, approximately within 2 hours of life.Maternal age <15 years, decreasing birthweight, prematurity, male gender, multiple gestation and birth by caesarean section were associated with an increased risk of mortality p < 0.05. In order for Jamaica to experience further decline in its Neonatal Mortality Rate to meet the Sustainable Developmental Goal of at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030 the focus must be on decreasing mortality in the very low birth weight infants who disproportionally contribute to mortality as well as continuing to implement measures to further decrease mortality in the larger infants.

Neonatal morbidity in the 2011 JAKIDS Jamaican birth cohort.

This study reports the spectrum of discharge diagnoses in a national cohort of newborns admitted during a 3-month period to hospitals across Jamaica. The data were analyzed using measures of central tendency and risk assessed using odds ratio. Data on 1607 admissions were used to describe the spectrum of morbidity in hospitalized infants. Eight hundred and seven (50%) male and 754 (48%) female neonates were admitted. There was a 15% (240) readmission rate during the neonatal period. Infants of diabetic mothers were almost three times as likely to be admitted as infants whose mothers were not diabetic OR 2.89 (CI 1.96 - 4.13). Infants of women who were hypertensive were 1.5 times more likely to be admitted than infants of non-hypertensive women OR 1.56 (CI 1.56-1.9). The odds ratio for admission of an infant born to a woman delivered by caesarean section was 2.1 (CI: 1.67-2.38). Premature infants constituted 50% of admissions. The most prevalent discharge diagnosis included presumed sepsis, respiratory distress and neonatal jaundice in both preterm and term neonates. In the extreme preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome was the most predominant discharge diagnosis. Multiple gestation was a significant risk for admission OR 2.7 (CI 1.8 to 3.9). Prematurity, multiple gestation, macrosomia, maternal diabetes, maternal hypertension and low 5 minute Apgar score < 7 were all found to be independent predictors of neonatal admission in a logistic regression model (p < 0.001). The recognition of the discharge morbidity is useful for future health planning for the most vulnerable in our population.

Correlation between concentrations of four heavy metals in cord blood and childhood blood of Jamaican children.

This study investigated whether the concentrations of four metals [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al)] are correlated in cord blood and childhood blood samples from Jamaican children. Cord blood samples were obtained from 21 pregnant women enrolled in the second Jamaican Birth Cohort Study from July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011, and blood samples were drawn from their children who participated in a follow up study when the children were 4-8 years old. Correlations were assessed by the Pearson or the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The mean ages of children at the childhood visit and their mother at the child's birth were 5.5 years and 29.8 years, respectively. About 47.6% of children were male. Statistically significant correlations between cord blood and childhood blood concentrations of Pb (rSpearman =0.45; P = 0.04) and Mn (rPearson=0.48; P = 0.03) were found, and these remained significant when adjusted for the child's sex, age, or both. For Al and Hg, rSpearman=0.29 and 0.08, respectively, but the correlations were not statistically significant (both P ≥ 0.20). A significant correlation between cord blood and childhood blood Pb concentrations for children 4-8 years old has not been previously reported.

Maternal morbidity: a longitudinal study of women's health during and up to 22 months after pregnancy in Jamaica.

Our study evaluated factors associated with ill-health in a population-based longitudinal study of women who delivered a singleton live-born baby in a 3-month period across Jamaica. Socio-demographics, perception of health, chronic illnesses, frequency and reasons for hospital admission were assessed. Relationships between ill-health and maternal characteristics were estimated using log-normal regression analysis. Of 9,742 women interviewed at birth, 1,311 were assessed at four stages, 27.7% of whom reported ill-health at least once. Hospitalization rates were 20.9% during pregnancy, 6.1% up to 12 months and 0.5% up to 22 months after childbirth. Ill-health, reported by 11% of women, was less likely with better education (RR=0.62, 95%; 0.42-0.84). Hospital admission was associated with higher socio-economic status (RR=1.33, 95% 1.04-1.70) and Caesarean section [CS] (RR=1.57, 95%; 1.21-2.04). One in three (33.7%) women reported chronic illnesses, and the likelihood increased with age, parity and delivery by elective CS (RR=1.44, 95%; 1.20-1.73). In multivariable analyses, ill-health was more likely with chronic illness (RR=2.06, 95%; CI: 1.71-2.48) and hospital admission from 12 to 22 months after childbirth (RR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.12-2.12). Ill-health during pregnancy and after childbirth represent a significant burden of disease and requires a standardised comprehensive approach to measuring and addressing this disease burden.

A generalized weighted quantile sum approach for analyzing correlated data in the presence of interactions.

A weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression has been used to assess the associations between environmental exposures and health outcomes. However, the currently available WQS approach, which is based on additive effects, does not allow exploring for potential interactions of exposures with other covariates in relation to a health outcome. In addition, the current WQS cannot account for clustering, thus it may not be valid for analysis of clustered data. We propose a generalized WQS approach that can assess interactions by estimating stratum-specific weights of exposures in a mixture, while accounting for potential clustering effect of matched pairs of cases and controls as well as censored exposure data due to being below the limits of detection. The performance of the proposed method in identifying interactions is evaluated through simulations based on various scenarios of correlation structures among the exposures and with an outcome. We also assess how well the proposed method performs in the presence of the varying levels of censoring in exposures. Our findings from the simulation study show that the proposed method outperforms the traditional WQS, as indicated by higher power of detecting interactions. We also find no strong evidence that the proposed method falsely identifies interactions when there are no true interactive effects. We demonstrate application of the proposed method to real data from the Epidemiological Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Jamaica (ERAJ) by examining interactions between exposure to manganese and glutathione S-transferase family gene, GSTP1 in relation to ASD.

Patterns and predictors of depressive symptoms among Jamaican fathers of newborns.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10% of fathers in the Cultural West (i.e., US, Europe, and Australia) experience depression. We broaden the cultural scope of paternal depression research by investigating the prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among Jamaican fathers. METHODS: The present research draws upon structured interviews with 3425 fathers of newborn children participating in a Jamaican birth cohort study-JA Kids-and represents one of the largest sample sizes of any study on postnatal depression among fathers worldwide. This sample of fathers participated from July to September 2011, and represents approximately 30% of all men who became fathers during that time in Jamaica. Fathers answered questions about sociodemographic background, relationship status and quality, social support, health, expectations and views of a partner's pregnancy, and the ten-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS: Analyses reveal that 9.1% (95% CI 8.1-10.1) of these Jamaican fathers of newborns had EPDS scores of 10 or higher, indicative of possible depression. Results suggest that educational attainment was not related to EPDS scores, though higher indices of material wealth (e.g., refrigerator and vehicle) were weakly, negatively related to EDS scores. Paternal age was also weakly negatively predictive of EDS scores. Whereas relationship status was unrelated to depressive symptoms, relationship quality negatively predicted depressive symptoms. Several other measures of social support (lacking a close circle of friends, fewer family, or friends to help in times of trouble) were also associated with higher EPDS scores. CONCLUSIONS: We interpret these findings in light of existing work on paternal depression, including the importance of social context and support.

The impact of polyvictimisation on children in LMICs: the case of Jamaica.

Children who experience polyvictimization in high-income countries (HICs) are at higher risk for mental health-related trauma symptoms. There is limited information on the impact of polyvictimisation on children with high levels of exposure, as occurs in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study investigates the impact of poyvictimization on Jamaican children's intellectual functioning, achievement, and disruptive behaviors. Data from a geographical subgroup (n = 1171) of a 1986 population based birth cohort study were utilised.  At age 11-12 years, the sub-group completed questionnaires on exposure to violence at school, at home and in their communities, and tests of academic and intellectual functioning. Their parents completed questionnaires on family resources (socioeconomic status) and children's behaviour. Findings from Structural Equational Modelling indicated that for both genders, exposure to polyvictimisation had a direct negative effect on intellectual functioning, and an indirect negative effect on achievement mediated through intellectual functioning. For boys, polyvictimisation had a direct negative effect on behavioural risk. Family resources was negatively associated with exposure to polyvictimisation.  In Jamaica, a LMIC country with high levels of polyvictimisation, there is a significant negative effect of polyvictimisation on children. The secondary- and tertiary-level interventions to address these effects are costly to LMICs with limited financial resources. Prevention of exposure to violence in all its forms is therefore the recommended approach to reduce violence-related morbidity.

Early-life factors are associated with nocturnal cortisol and glucose effectiveness in Afro-Caribbean young adults.

CONTEXT: Early-life factors (including intrauterine growth retardation) may influence the development of type 2 diabetes. We postulated that birth size is associated with cortisol levels, which itself could alter serum adipomyokines (i.e. adiponectin, IGF-I, myostatin) and glucose metabolism. DESIGN: An observational study with 60 Afro-Caribbean young adults from a birth cohort. MEASUREMENTS: Fasting blood was drawn for serum adiponectin, IGF-I and myostatin. A frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test measured insulin sensitivity (SI), acute insulin response (AIRg), disposition index (DI) and glucose effectiveness (Sg). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Salivary cortisol was collected at home at 0800 and 2300 h. Sex-adjusted correlations were used to explore the relationships between birth size, cortisol and the metabolic variables. RESULTS: The participants were 55% male, mean age 23·1 ± 0·5 years. Birth weight correlated positively with 2300-h cortisol (P = 0·04), although not after adjusting for gestational age. Gestational age was correlated with 2300 h cortisol (r = 0·38, P = 0·03), even after adjusting for birth weight (P = 0·02). 2300 h cortisol was not associated with adiponectin, IGF-I, myostatin, SI, AIRg or DI, but was negatively correlated with Sg (r = -0·30, P = 0·05) even after adjusting for birth and adult anthropometry. Adiponectin, IGF-I and myostatin were unrelated to glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Gestational age is associated with higher nocturnal cortisol, which in turn is associated with lower glucose effectiveness in adulthood. Higher glucose effectiveness could therefore be a compensatory mechanism to improve glucose uptake.

Sexuality among fathers of newborns in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: While a growing body of research has addressed pregnancy and postpartum impacts on female sexuality, relatively little work has been focused upon men. A few studies suggest that a fraction of men report decreases in libido during a partner's pregnancy and/or postpartum, with alterations in men's sexual behavior also commonly aligning with those of a partner. Here, we investigate sexuality among fathers of newborn children in Jamaica. In Jamaica, as elsewhere in the Caribbean, relationship dynamics can be fluid, contributing to variable paternal roles and care, as well as a high fraction of children born into visiting relationships in which parents live apart from each other. METHODS: During July-September, 2011, 3410 fathers of newborns with an average age of 31 (SD = 8) years participated in the fatherhood arm of a national birth cohort study (JAKids). These fathers answered questions about sociodemographic background, relationship quality and sexuality (e.g., various components of sexual function such as sex drive and sexual satisfaction as well as number of sexual partners the previous 12 months and sexual intercourse the previous week) during a visit to a hospital or birth center within a day or two of their child being born. RESULTS: Showed that sex drive was more variable than other components (erections, ejaculation, problem assessment) of sexual function, though sexual satisfaction was generally high. Thirty percent of men reported two or more sexual partners the previous 12 months. Nearly half of men indicated not engaging in sexual intercourse the past week. Multivariate analyses showed that relationship status was related to various aspects of men's sexuality, such as men in visiting relationships reporting more sexual partners and more openness to casual sex. Relationship quality was the most consistent predictor of men's sexuality, with men in higher quality relationships reporting higher sexual satisfaction, fewer sexual partners, and higher frequency of sex, among other findings. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide an unusually large, quantitative look at men's sexuality during the transition to fatherhood in Jamaica, offering helpful insight to would-be parents, clinicians or others seeking to anticipate the effects of a partner's pregnancy on men's sexuality.

Factors associated with blood lead concentrations of children in Jamaica.

Lead is a heavy metal known to be detrimental to neurologic, physiologic, and behavioral health of children. Previous studies from Jamaica reported that mean lead levels in soil are four times that of lead levels in some other parts of the world. Other studies detected lead levels in fruits and root vegetables, which were grown in areas with lead contaminated soil. In this study, we investigate environmental factors associated with blood lead concentrations in Jamaican children. The participants in this study comprised 125 typically developing (TD) children (ages 2-8 years) who served as controls in an age- and sex-matched case-control study that enrolled children from 2009-2012 in Jamaica. We administered a questionnaire to assess demographic and socioeconomic information as well as potential exposures to lead through food. Using General Linear Models (GLMs), we identified factors associated with blood lead concentrations in Jamaican children. The geometric mean blood lead concentration (GMBLC) in the sample of children in this study was 2.80 µg dL(-1). In univariable GLM analyses, GMBLC was higher for children whose parents did not have education beyond high school compared to those whose parents had attained this level (3.00 µg dL(-1) vs. 2.31 µg dL(-1); P = 0.05), children living near a high traffic road compared to those who did not (3.43 µg dL(-1) vs. 2.52 µg dL(-1); P < 0.01), and children who reported eating ackee compared to those who did not eat this fruit (2.89 µg dL(-1) vs. 1.65 µg dL(-1); P < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, living near a high traffic road was identified as an independent risk factor for higher adjusted GMBLC (3.05 µg dL(-1) vs. 2.19 µg dL(-1); P = 0.01). While our findings indicate that GMBLC in Jamaican children has dropped by at least 62% during the past two decades, children living in Jamaica still have GMBLC that is twice that of children in more developed countries. In addition, we have identified significant risk factors for higher blood lead concentrations in Jamaican children. We believe increasing awareness among parents regarding these risk factors could potentially lead to a lower level of lead exposure in Jamaican children.

Blood manganese concentrations in Jamaican children with and without autism spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Manganese is an essential element for human health and development. Previous studies have shown neurotoxic effects in children exposed to higher levels of manganese. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs social interaction and communication. Several studies have hypothesized that ASD is caused through environmental exposures during crucial stages in brain development. We investigated the possible association between blood manganese concentrations (BMC) and ASD. We also identified factors associated with BMC in typically developing (TD) Jamaican children. METHODS: We used data from 109 ASD cases with their 1:1 age- and sex-matched TD controls to compare mean BMC in Jamaican children (2-8 years of age) with and without ASD. We administered a pre-tested questionnaire to assess demographic and socioeconomic information, medical history, and potential exposure to manganese. Finally, we collected 2 mL of whole blood from each child for analysis of manganese levels. Using General Linear Models (GLM), we assessed the association between BMC and ASD status. Furthermore, we used two independent sample t-tests to identify factors associated with BMC in TD children. RESULTS: In univariable GLM analysis, we found no significant association between BMC and ASD, (10.9 µg/L for cases vs. 10.5 µg/L for controls; P = 0.29). In a multivariable GLM adjusting for paternal age, parental education, place of child's birth (Kingston parish), consumption of root vegetables, cabbage, saltwater fish, and cakes/buns, there was still no significant association between BMC and ASD status, (11.5 µg/L for cases vs. 11.9 µg/L for controls; P = 0.48). Our findings also indicated TD children who ate fresh water fish had a higher BMC than children who did not (11.0 µg/L vs. 9.9 µg/L; P = 0.03) as younger TD children (i.e., 2 ≤ age ≤4), (12.0 µg/L vs. 10.2 µg/L; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: While these results cannot be used to assess early exposure at potentially more susceptible time period, our findings suggest that there is no significant association between manganese exposures and ASD case status in Jamaica. Our findings also indicate that BMC in Jamaican children resemble those of children in the developed world and are much lower than those in the developing countries.

Metabolomic profiles in Jamaican children with and without autism spectrum disorder.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a wide range of behavioral and cognitive impairments. While genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to its etiology, the underlying metabolic perturbations associated with ASD which can potentially connect genetic and environmental factors, remain poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a metabolomic case-control study and performed a comprehensive analysis to identify significant alterations in metabolite profiles between children with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls. Objective: To elucidate potential metabolomic signatures associated with ASD in children and identify specific metabolites that may serve as biomarkers for the disorder. Methods: We conducted metabolomic profiling on plasma samples from participants in the second phase of Epidemiological Research on Autism in Jamaica (ERAJ-2), which was a 1:1 age (±6 months)-and sex-matched cohort of 200 children with ASD and 200 TD controls (2-8 years old). Using high-throughput liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques, we performed a targeted metabolite analysis, encompassing amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and other key metabolic compounds. After quality control and imputation of missing values, we performed univariable and multivariable analysis using normalized metabolites while adjusting for covariates, age, sex, socioeconomic status, and child's parish of birth. Results: Our findings revealed unique metabolic patterns in children with ASD for four metabolites compared to TD controls. Notably, three of these metabolites were fatty acids, including myristoleic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, and octadecenoic acid. Additionally, the amino acid sarcosine exhibited a significant association with ASD. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of metabolites in the etiology of ASD and suggest opportunities for the development of targeted interventions.

Metabolomic Profiles in Jamaican Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a wide range of behavioral and cognitive impairments. While genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to its etiology, metabolic perturbations associated with ASD, which can potentially connect genetic and environmental factors, remain poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a metabolomic case-control study and performed a comprehensive analysis to identify significant alterations in metabolite profiles between children with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls in order to identify specific metabolites that may serve as biomarkers for the disorder. We conducted metabolomic profiling on plasma samples from participants in the second phase of Epidemiological Research on Autism in Jamaica, an age and sex-matched cohort of 200 children with ASD and 200 TD controls (2-8 years old). Using high-throughput liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques, we performed a targeted metabolite analysis, encompassing amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and other key metabolic compounds. After quality control and missing data imputation, we performed univariable and multivariable analysis using normalized metabolites while adjusting for covariates, age, sex, socioeconomic status, and child's parish of birth. Our findings revealed unique metabolic patterns in children with ASD for four metabolites compared to TD controls. Notably, three metabolites were fatty acids, including myristoleic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, and octadecenoic acid. The amino acid sarcosine exhibited a significant association with ASD. These findings highlight the role of metabolites in the etiology of ASD and suggest opportunities for the development of targeted interventions.