Epigenetic Modifications among Children with Autism in Response to Phoenix Dactylifera: An Intervention Study

This study explored the influence of the regular daily intake of 5 pieces of Ajwa dates fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) for four months on modifications of epigenetic factors related to autism. An interventional exploratory study was conducted on 31 autism-diagnosed children aged 3-12 years. Methylation-specific PCR was used to determine the methylation density of Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily L member 13 (OR2L13), Reelin (RELN), Proline-Rich Transmembrane Protein 1 (PRRT1), and index of global methylation (Long interspersed nucleotide element-1, LINE-1). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to test the change in the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8), the expression of plasma miR-146a and miR-146b. The study also investigated the clinical, microbial, and biochemical factors' responses to Phoenix dactylifera intake. In response to Ajwa dates fruit intake, a significant decrease in the expression of DNMT1, was shown in 64.5% of children (P=0.012). LINE-1, OR2L13, and PRRT1 showed significant changes in their methylation density. A significant decrease was observed in the pattern of RELN methylation status and the mean expression fold change of MiR-146a for 74.2% and 38.7% of children respectively. Phoenix dactylifera's regular intake plays a role in epigenetic modification among children with autism. ©2024 National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC)