title: L-Methylfolate supplementation in a child with autism and methyltetrahydrofolate reductase, enzyme gene C677TT allele.
abstract: Errors in folate metabolism may play a role in the pathology of autism spectrum disorders because of increased vulnerability to oxidative stress. We report a case where L-methylfolate supplementation improved symptoms of aggression and disruptive behavior in a child with autism who tested positive for the C677TT allele of the methyltetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of L-methylfolate administration in this situation. Further controlled studies of L-methylfolate in this population are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville Autism Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
authors.forename: Kim S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Siscoe
authors.forename: W David
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Lohr
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D010088:Oxidoreductases; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013763:Tetrahydrofolates / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); D010088:Oxidoreductases; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D013763:Tetrahydrofolates; C573423:MTHFR protein, human; C005984:5-methyltetrahydrofolate