Erythrocyte magnesium concentrations and NIPA1/NIPA2 gene expression in children with autism spectrum disorder

While genetic and environmental factors are involved in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the role of magnesium (Mg2+) homeostasis remains a burgeoning field of interest. This cross-sectional study analyzed the association between erythrocyte Mg2+ concentrations, clinical characteristics, and the expression of Mg2+ transporter genes (NIPA1 and NIPA2) in children with and without ASD. Intracellular Mg2+ levels were determined, and relative gene expression was evaluated to detect molecular trends.

The unadjusted analyses initially demonstrated lower erythrocyte Mg2+ concentrations in children with ASD. However, this statistical association was completely attenuated after adjusting for clinical confounding variables, such as selective eating habits and pharmacotherapy. This indicates that the observed variations in Mg2+ levels are influenced by these clinical covariates rather than constituting an intrinsic biological biomarker of autism.

Concurrently, multivariable analysis adjusted associations with ASD status regarding NIPA1 and NIPA2 gene expression, highlighting complex metabolic and genetic trends that require cautious interpretation due to reference gene instability. In conclusion, these findings suggest that behavioral and pharmacological factors significantly alter traditional metabolic markers, emphasizing the need for multi-reference gene panels in future prospective neurodevelopmental research to ensure robust biological validation. The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work.

Hospital General Zona No 16, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Boulevard Revolución Colonia, Torreón Jardín, Torreón, 27100, Coah, Mexico Centro de Investigación y Atención del Autismo, Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia del Estado de Coahuila (DIF Coahuila), Orquídeas 100 Torreón Residencial, Torreón, 27000, Coahuila, Mexico Tania González-Cortés & Pablo Ruiz-Flores Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Gregorio A. García 198 Centro, Torreón, 27000, Coahuila, Mexico Tania González-Cortés, David Pedroza-Escobar, Pablo Ruiz-Flores, Jorge Haro-Santa Cruz & Perla Karina Espino-Silva Facultad de Medicina Unidad Laguna, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Av. Morelos 900-Oriente, Primero de Cobián Centro, Torreón, 27000, Coah, Mexico Artemisa Aguilar-Pérez & Dealmy Delgadillo-Guzmán Hospital General Zona No 71, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Boulevard Revolución Colonia, Torreón Jardín, Torreón, 27100, Coah, Mexico David Nava-Nava & Penélope Galván-Heredia Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional Unidad Durango, Sigma 119, 20 de Noviembre II, Durango, 34220, Dgo, Mexico Correspondence to Tania González-Cortés.

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