g(m1)-ganglioside and Intellectual-Disability

To study the clinical effectiveness and mechanism of GM1 acupoint injection therapy on mental retardation for children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 90 children with CP were divided into acupoint injection group (group A), subcutaneous injection group (group B), and control group (group C). Another 30 healthy children were set as a healthy control group (group D). The Mental Developmental Index (MDI), Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI), and hemodynamic parameters in the cerebral arteries were measured before and after treatment. After three treatment courses, the MDI and PDI in groups A, B, and C were increased, and the increase in group A was most obvious (P < 0.05). Peak systolic velocity, mean velocity, and end-diastolic velocity were also elevated in group A, and after three treatment courses, resistance index decreased with a statistical significance (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in groups B and C (P > 0.05). For all groups, neuron-specific enolase levels decreased and total superoxide dismutase increased after treatment. Acupoint injection therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy demonstrated significant effects on cerebral hemodynamic conditions for children with CP.

Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Cerebral Arteries; Cerebral Palsy; Child, Preschool; Female; G(M1) Ganglioside; Hemodynamics; Humans; Infant; Injections, Subcutaneous; Intellectual Disability; Male; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; Superoxide Dismutase

Concentrations of the four major brain gangliosides, GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT1b, biochemical markers of neuronal membranes, were determined in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 20 children with autism and in 25 controls. In addition, the gangliosides were determined in children with different forms of non-progressive neurological disorders lacking clinical features of autism. GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT1b were significantly increased in patients with autism compared with age-matched controls and children with non-progressive neurological disorders. The gangliosides have previously been shown to have a function in synaptic transmission and increased synaptic activity leads to added release of gangliosides. Our finding of increased CSF levels of gangliosides in autism suggests increased synaptic activity in this disorder.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Autistic Disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Data Interpretation, Statistical; G(M1) Ganglioside; Gangliosides; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Nervous System Diseases; Synapses; Synaptic Membranes; Synaptic Transmission

Ventricular fluid taken from 29 children with active hydrocephalus was assayed for GM1 ganglioside level and correlated with gross assessment of intellectual outcome. Normal levels of GM1 ganglioside were consistent with grossly normal intellectual function. Marked elevations of GM1 ganglioside were found in the ventricular fluid of severely retarded children. No definitive pattern of GM1 ganglioside level was found in moderately retarded children.

Topics: Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; Child; G(M1) Ganglioside; Gangliosides; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Intellectual Disability; Intelligence; Prognosis