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Thimerosal Exposure and the Role of Sulfation Chemistry and Thiol Availability in Autism

Author

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  • Janet K. Kern

    (Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD 20905, USA)

  • Boyd E. Haley

    (Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • David A. Geier

    (Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD 20905, USA)

  • Lisa K. Sykes

    (CoMeD, Inc., Silver Spring, MD 20905, USA)

  • Paul G. King

    (CoMeD, Inc., Silver Spring, MD 20905, USA)

  • Mark R. Geier

    (Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD 20905, USA)

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder in which a significant number of the children experience a developmental regression characterized by a loss of previously acquired skills and abilities. Typically reported are losses of verbal, nonverbal, and social abilities. Several recent studies suggest that children diagnosed with an ASD have abnormal sulfation chemistry, limited thiol availability, and decreased glutathione (GSH) reserve capacity, resulting in a compromised oxidation/reduction (redox) and detoxification capacity. Research indicates that the availability of thiols, particularly GSH, can influence the effects of thimerosal (TM) and other mercury (Hg) compounds. TM is an organomercurial compound (49.55% Hg by weight) that has been, and continues to be, used as a preservative in many childhood vaccines, particularly in developing countries. Thiol-modulating mechanisms affecting the cytotoxicity of TM have been identified. Importantly, the emergence of ASD symptoms post-6 months of age temporally follows the administration of many childhood vaccines. The purpose of the present critical review is provide mechanistic insight regarding how limited thiol availability, abnormal sulfation chemistry, and decreased GSH reserve capacity in children with an ASD could make them more susceptible to the toxic effects of TM routinely administered as part of mandated childhood immunization schedules.

Suggested Citation

  • Janet K. Kern & Boyd E. Haley & David A. Geier & Lisa K. Sykes & Paul G. King & Mark R. Geier, 2013. "Thimerosal Exposure and the Role of Sulfation Chemistry and Thiol Availability in Autism," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-30, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:10:y:2013:i:8:p:3771-3800:d:28147
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David A. Geier & Janet K. Kern & Paul G. King & Lisa K. Sykes & Mark R. Geier, 2012. "Hair Toxic Metal Concentrations and Autism Spectrum Disorder Severity in Young Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-12, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. José G. Dórea, 2015. "Exposure to Mercury and Aluminum in Early Life: Developmental Vulnerability as a Modifying Factor in Neurologic and Immunologic Effects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-19, January.
    2. Lara Ferreira Azevedo & Nina Karpova & Bruno Alves Rocha & Fernando Barbosa Junior & Glenda Carolyn Gobe & Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro, 2023. "Evidence on Neurotoxicity after Intrauterine and Childhood Exposure to Organomercurials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-19, January.
    3. David A. Geier & Brian S. Hooker & Janet K. Kern & Paul G. King & Lisa K. Sykes & Mark R. Geier, 2014. "A Dose-Response Relationship between Organic Mercury Exposure from Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines and Neurodevelopmental Disorders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-15, September.

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