Autism is a lifelong disability that affects how people interact with others. While the exact cause of autism is unknown, its development in children has been linked to various factors — including zinc deficiency (锌缺乏).
According to a paper published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, the researchers demonstrated how zinc shapes synapses (突触) during their early development. “Autism is associated with variants (变异) of genes involved in the formation and maturation of synapses.” said Sally Kim, lead author of the study from Stanford University School of Medicine.
The team found that when a brain signal was transferred via a synapse, zinc entered the target neuron(神经元), where it could combine two proteins, SHANK2and SHANK3. Those proteins cause changes in the composition and function of the synapse.
The finding that zinc shapes the development of synapses via SH ANK proteins suggests that a lack of zinc during early development could potentially contribute to autism by damaging the function of synapses, which enable brain cells to communicate with one another.
“Understanding the interaction between zinc and SHANK proteins could therefore lead to diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies for autism,” suggested John Huguenard, co-author of the study.
It’s important to note, however, that at present it isn’t possible to make any concrete conclusions or begin recommending that children take zinc supplements. “Currently there are no controlled studies of autism risk with zinc supplementation in pregnant women or babies, so the jury is still out,” Craig Garner, co-author of the study said. “Taking too much zinc can reduce the amount of copper the body absorbs, weakening bones. Furthermore, zinc deficiency does not necessarily imply a dietary deficiency, and could be caused by problems with absorption in the gut.”
“Nevertheless, our findings offer a new mechanism for understanding how zinc deficiency might contribute to autism,” Garner said.
8. What do we know about autism according to the passage?
A.It is mainly caused by zinc deficiency. |
B.It is a common mental illness among children. |
C.It is associated with specific variants of genes. |
D.It can be cured with the latest advance in neuroscience. |
9. How does zinc shape the development of synapses?
A.By transferring brain signals. |
B.By combining SHANK proteins. |
C.By damaging the function of synapses. |
D.By enabling brain cells to communicate. |
10. As for zinc supplementation in specific groups, Craig Garner thinks ________.
A.it is beyond doubt | B.it is out of control |
C.it remains contradictory | D.it remains uncertain |
11. Which could be the best title of the passage?
A.Zinc Shapes the Development of Synapses |
B.Autism Linked to Zinc Deficiency in Childhood |
C.SHANK Proteins Contribute to Variants of Genes |
D.Zinc Supplements Recommended for Autism Prevention |