This project explores the untested hypothesis that consumption of soy-based formula during infancy is associated with increased seizure incidence in fragile X syndrome (FXS). FXS is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. Serendipitous findings from our laboratory indicate that soy-based diets are associated with increased seizure incidence in a mouse model of FXS, Fmr1KO mice, as well as in infants later diagnosed with autism. This grant application is a pilot study to determine if there is an association between soy-based infant formula consumption and seizure history in FXS subjects enrolled in the Fragile X Online Registry with Accessible Research Database (FORWARD), the largest registry of FXS patients. Positive results will support prospective evaluation to determine if avoidance of soy-based infant formula in FXS babies mitigates disease phenotypes including seizures. Newborn screening would be required for an early FXS diagnosis. The long-term goals of this research are to understand how consumption of a soy-based diet during infancy affects childhood development in FXS.

Public Health Relevance

This project will evaluate an association between soy-based infant formula use and seizure history in fragile X subjects enrolled in FORWARD, the largest registry of fragile X patients. There is a currently a dearth of therapeutics for the treatment of fragile X, and successful outcomes from this pilot study would justify further investigation pursuing the feasibility of restricting the use of soy-based infant formulas in babies with fragile X. Newborn screening would be required for an early diagnosis and dietary intervention.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03HD097067-01
Application #
9586306
Study Section
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Initial Review Group (CHHD)
Program Officer
King, Tracy
Project Start
2018-09-15
Project End
2020-08-31
Budget Start
2018-09-15
Budget End
2019-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715