<i>Chanwuyi</i> Lifestyle Medicine Program Alleviates Immunological Deviation and Improves Behaviors in Autism

oleh: Agnes S. Chan, Yvonne M. Y. Han, Sophia L. Sze, Chun-kwok Wong, Ida M. T. Chu, Mei-chun Cheung

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2021-06-01

Deskripsi

Given the association between deviated inflammatory chemokines, the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and our previous findings of the <i>Chanwuyi</i> Lifestyle Medicine Program regarding improved cognitive and behavioral problems in ASD, the present study aims to explore if this intervention can alter pro-inflammatory chemokines concentration. Thirty-two boys with ASD were assigned to the experimental group receiving the <i>Chanwuyi</i> Lifestyle Medicine Program for 7 months or the control group without a change in their lifestyle. The experimental group, but not the control group, demonstrated significantly reduced CCL2 and CXCL8, a trend of reduction in CCL5, and elevation of CXCL9. The experimental group also demonstrated significantly reduced social communication problems, repetitive/stereotypic behaviors, and hyperactive behaviors. The present findings support the potential efficacy and applicability of the <i>Chanwuyi</i> Lifestyle Medicine Program for reducing both behavioral problems and immunological dysfunction in ASD. Further studies are warranted to verify its treatment effect and its association with brain functions.