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Editorial
. 2010 Jan;74(1):7-11.
doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.08.033. Epub 2009 Sep 11.

Similarities in features of autism and asthma and a possible link to acetaminophen use

Kevin G Becker, Stephen T Schultz
Editorial

Similarities in features of autism and asthma and a possible link to acetaminophen use

Kevin G Becker et al. Med Hypotheses. 2010 Jan.

Abstract

Autism and autism spectrum disorders are enigmatic conditions that have their origins in the interaction of genes and environmental factors. In this hypothesis, genes statistically associated with autism are emphasized to be important in inflammation and in innate immune pathways, including pathways for susceptibility to asthma. The role of acetaminophen (paracetamol) in an increased risk for asthma is described and a possible similar link to an increased risk for autism is suggested.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The governmental funding sources described above had no role in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Number of enrolled persons with autism in California by year of birth* with addition of events in the history of acetaminophen. The post-1982 and post-1986 downward inflections are circled. *Adapted from: Changes in the population of persons with autism and pervasive developmental disorders in California's developmental services system: 1987 through 1998. A report to the legislature (DDS, 1999). Figure 1, page 8. Available at: http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/Autism/docs/autism_report_1999.pdf
Figure 2
Figure 2
Asthma prevalence in US children 0-17 years, 1980-2007. The post-1982 and post-1986 downward inflections are circled. Adapted from: US EPA-Report on the environment. Exibit 5-31 Asthma prevalence in US children 0-17 years, 1980-2007 ; Adapted from Akimbami, 2006; NCHS, 2007b; NCHS, 2008.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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