VRISG Director Nguyen Thanh Liem speaks at the third Vinmec International Conference on Cell and Gene Therapy held in Hanoi on October 31 (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – The
reported six new found in as part of a study on
identifying in children with autism in Vietnam.
This is the largest
study of genes in autistic children in Vietnam so far, with important findings
on genetic characteristics, providing an important scientific foundation for
future autism screening, diagnosis, counselling and treatment.
“Identifying gene
mutations in autistic children in Vietnam” is the first genetic database
of autistic children’s genome, built on decoding the whole protein coding. The
study shows that the number of boys with autism is five times higher than
girls. The finding is consistent with the hypothesis of previous studies in the
world – genetic characteristics allow women to be more resistant to autism than
men.
The study found 18
mutated genes in autistic children, of which six genes previously haven’t been
recognised in relation to autism. Mutations were detected in a number of genes,
such as SIP, LAS1L and IGF1, that are often seen in patients with cerebral
palsy or intellectual disabilities. The other 12 are genes that have been
reported in relation to autism, such as CHD8, DYRK, DYRK1A, GRIN2B and SCN2A.
The study is conducted
independently by a group of scientists from the Vinmec Research Institute of
Stem Cell and Gene Technology (VRISG) led by Professor Nguyen Thanh Liem from
2016-2019.
Vinmec, also for the
first time, announced results of initial research on autism treatment by stem
cell transplantation. In terms of interaction, language, decreased
hyperactivity and life skills, patients have shown positive improvement after
transplantation.
Combining stem cell
transplantation with psychotherapeutic intervention may increase the
effectiveness of autism treatment.
“Through the cooperation
with the world’s leading research institutes, Vinmec will continue in-depth
studies on recovering health and improving the quality of life for many
patients with autism and other diseases in Vietnam. We will also develop autism
screening tests and further in-depth studies on the issue,” said VRISG Director
Nguyen Thanh Liem.
The results of the
genetic research in Vietnamese autism children was reported at the third Vinmec
International Conference on Cell and Gene Therapy held in Hanoi on October 31.
Organised since 2017,
the annual event aims to introduce, discuss and exchange updated information on
gene – cell research around the world. With the theme “Gene and Cell
Therapy: From Dreams to Reality”, the event attracted more than 500
delegates who are experts in stem cell, immune cell and genomic medicine from
hospitals, universities, national research institutes and international
professional associations.
Vietnam has about 1 percent of the population, equivalent to 1 million people, with autism. Current
autism treatment often focuses on psychotherapy and education methods that take
a long time and are less effective. The disease has become a burden for
patient’s family and society./.
Source: VietnamPlus
