I wanted to go into more detail regarding the elevated copper/deficient zinc denominator in autistic individuals as well. My son's copper/zinc ratios were significantly out of whack, so to speak. Of every mother I've spoken to (IRL and on message boards) who has had their child's levels tested - same thing.
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METALLOTHIONINE PROTEIN DYSFUNCTION
Diseases that occur because of MT protein dysfunction include:
· Psoriasis and eczema
· ADD and ADHD
· Autism
· Schizophrenia and Obsessive Compulsive disorder
· Anorexia
· Alcoholism
· Chronic fatigue syndrome
· Alzheimer's
Metallothionein protein disorder, or MT is thought to have it's root cause in an underlying genetic defect involving more than one gene. The genes have not been located in humans as of this publication. This disorder results in a decreased ability of the MT protein to function normally.
Metallothionein protein plays an important role in regulation of zinc and copper levels in the blood. They also act in the body to clathirate heavy metals as they enter the body, they help development and continued functioning of the immune system, development and pruning of brain cells, (neurons), prevention of yeast overgrowth in the intestines, production of enzymes that break down casein and gluten, production of hydrochloric acid by stomach cells, taste and texture discrimination by the tongue, behavior control and development of memory and social skills.
In February of 2000, William Walsh, Ph.D. of the Pfeiffer Treatment Center, discovered that most autistic clients exhibit MT dysfunction and that the classic signs of autism can be explained by a MT dysfunction. There are four primary types of MT proteins, each with an important role in the body.
MT-I and II are present in all cells throughout the body. They regulate copper and zinc, are involved in cell transcription, detoxify heavy metals, play a role in the immune function, and are involved in a variety of G.I. tract functions
MT-III is found primarily in the brain and functions as a gross inhibitory factor in the brain. MT-III is located primarily in the central nervous system with small amounts present in the pancreas and intestines. It plays a major role in the development, organization and programmed death of brain cells.
MT-IV is found in the skin and upper G.I. tract. They help regulate stomach acid pH, taste and texture discrimination of the tongue and help protect against sunburn and other skin traumas.
MT protein dysfunction has far-reaching implications for many diseases including Alzheimer's, eating disorders encountered in premature infants and a host of psychiatric disorders.