Hyperhomocysteinemia among Omani autistic children: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy) indicates folate-dependent methionine cycle impairment and is linked to oxidative stress.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with potential links to metabolic and oxidative stress pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels as potential biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Omani children.
• To evaluate the association between these biochemical markers and the presence of ASD.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 80 Omani children aged 3-5 years (40 with ASD, 40 controls).
• Fasting serum homocysteine levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
• Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels were determined using an automated immune-assay system.

Main Results:

• Autistic children exhibited significantly higher mean serum homocysteine levels (20.1 ± 3.3 µmol/L) compared to controls (9.64 ± 2.1 µmol/L).
• Significantly lower serum folate (1.8 ± 0.4 µg/L) and vitamin B12 (191.1 ± 0.9 pg/mL) levels were observed in children with ASD versus controls.
• Homocysteine levels in autistic children exceeded normal reference ranges (5-15 µmol/L).

Conclusions:

• High fasting serum homocysteine levels, coupled with low serum folate and vitamin B12, may serve as valuable clinical biomarkers for the early detection of ASD.
• These findings support the potential role of metabolic and nutritional factors in ASD pathogenesis and management.