Abstract

Objective There is probably a relationship between zinc/cupper concentration in individuals with autism. The present review was written to estimate this probability by using meta-analysis method. Martials & Methods In this meta-analysis of Fixed Effect Model, by searching PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases, 11 articles were selected and verified published in 1978 to 2012. I I-2 statistics were calculated to examine heterogeneity. The information was analyzed by R and STATA Ver. 11.2. Results Due to non-uniform measurement methods of Zn/Cu concentrations, the concentration of these elements was measured in various subgroups (plasma, hair and general) in both study cases and controls. There was a significant statistical difference between plasma OR = 0.252 (95 CI:-0.001-0.504) and hair OR = 0.27(95 CI: 0.059-0.481, P = 0.01) concentrations of Zn/Cu statuses between controls and autistic patients. Using a Fixed Effects Model, the overall integration of data from the two groups was significant as risk factor OR = 0.31(95 CI: 0.16-0.46, P = 0.001). Conclusion Significant correlation existed between Zn/Cu levels and the development of autistic disorders in general analysis. Therefore, Zn/Cu levels could be mentioned as a pathogenesis reason of autism spectrum disorders.