Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technologyreported six new mutated genes found in autistic children as part of a study onidentifying gene mutations in children with autism in Vietnam.

This is the largeststudy of genes in autistic children in Vietnam so far, with important findingson genetic characteristics, providing an important scientific foundation forfuture autism screening, diagnosis, counselling and treatment. 

"Identifying genemutations in autistic children in Vietnam" is the first genetic databaseof autistic children's genome, built on decoding the whole protein coding. Thestudy shows that the number of boys with autism is five times higher thangirls. The finding is consistent with the hypothesis of previous studies in theworld – genetic characteristics allow women to be more resistant to autism thanmen.

The study found 18mutated genes in autistic children, of which six genes previously haven’t beenrecognised 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 cerebralpalsy or intellectual disabilities. The other 12 are genes that have beenreported in relation to autism, such as CHD8, DYRK, DYRK1A, GRIN2B and SCN2A.

The study is conductedindependently by a group of scientists from the Vinmec Research Institute ofStem Cell and Gene Technology (VRISG) led by Professor Nguyen Thanh Liem from2016-2019.

Vinmec, also for thefirst time, announced results of initial research on autism treatment by stemcell transplantation. In terms of interaction, language, decreasedhyperactivity and life skills, patients have shown positive improvement aftertransplantation. 

Combining stem celltransplantation with psychotherapeutic intervention may increase theeffectiveness of autism treatment.

“Through the cooperationwith the world's leading research institutes, Vinmec will continue in-depthstudies on recovering health and improving the quality of life for manypatients with autism and other diseases in Vietnam. We will also develop autismscreening tests and further in-depth studies on the issue,” said VRISG DirectorNguyen Thanh Liem.

The results of thegenetic research in Vietnamese autism children was reported at the third VinmecInternational 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 ongene - cell research around the world. With the theme "Gene and CellTherapy: From Dreams to Reality", the event attracted more than 500delegates who are experts in stem cell, immune cell and genomic medicine fromhospitals, universities, national research institutes and internationalprofessional associations.

Vietnam has about 1 percent of the population, equivalent to 1 million people, with autism. Currentautism treatment often focuses on psychotherapy and education methods that takea long time and are less effective. The disease has become a burden forpatient’s family and society./.