Gene variation raises vulnerability to fetal alcohol issues

By Staff Writer

An inherited gene variation may explain why some male children of drunken mothers suffer from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), while some offspring turn out healthy.

Researchers from Northwestern University concluded that variations of the Dio3 gene that is passed from mother to male children can impact children's vulnerability to FASD. Kids who have this condition may develop serious physical, mental and behavioral problems.

The report is based on an animal study. Researchers found that the Dio3 gene is responsible for producing the enzyme that controls how much active thyroid hormone is in the brain. A delicate balance of the hormone is important in the development and maintenance of one's neural functions.

Males who inherit this gene variation are at risk of experiencing an overdose of these hormones, which makes them vulnerable to even a moderate amount of alcohol, the study says. The research, which was conducted on rats, was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Adolescents who have social or mental disorders may benefit from boarding schools, many of which are designed to provide help for troubled teens.