title: Plasma copper and zinc concentration in individuals with autism correlate with selected symptom severity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with autism and correlate these levels with symptom severity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Plasma from 102 autistic individuals, and 18 neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn were analyzed for possible correlation with severity of 19 symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Autistic individuals had elevated plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn and lower, but not significantly lower, plasma Zn compared to neurotypical controls. There was a correlation between Cu/Zn and expressive language, receptive language, focus attention, hyperactivity, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and Tip Toeing. There was a negative correlation between plasma zinc concentration and hyperactivity, and fine motor skills severity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest an association between plasma Cu/Zn and severity of symptoms associated with autism.
authors.affiliation: Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY 13820.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: Andrea P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Bazin
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bigega
authors.forename: Robert S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: Martin G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: Dilenia C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Contreras
authors.forename: Matthew B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Galvin
authors.forename: Sayde S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Gaydorus
authors.forename: Sierra D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Holik
authors.forename: Gavin P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Brandon M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Penelope A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Languell
authors.forename: Padraic J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Lyman
authors.forename: Kareem P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: March
authors.forename: Katie A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Meuer
authors.forename: Serena R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Matthew T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Piedmonte
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.forename: Nicole C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Smaranda
authors.forename: Patrick L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Steves
authors.forename: Heather P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Teagan E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Waddingham
authors.forename: Janine S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Warren
keywords: autism; copper; zinc