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Published on: May 12, 2020
Comparison of urinary oxidative biomarkers in Iranian children with autism
Akram Ranjbar1, Vahid Rashedi2, Mohammad Rezaei3
1Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Insights
Children with autism show higher catalase activity and lower antioxidant levels, indicating increased oxidative stress. This may contribute to autism
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Individuals with ASD exhibit diverse abilities and behaviors, often facing challenges like eating disorders and dental caries.
- Increased oxidative stress is linked to psychiatric disorders, including ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate oxidative stress biomarkers in children diagnosed with autism.
- To compare levels of urinary total antioxidant concentration (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), and total thiol molecules (TTM) between children with autism and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- The study included 29 children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with autism and 24 age-matched healthy siblings as controls.
- Urinary samples were analyzed for TAC, CAT activity, and TTM concentrations.
Main Results:
- Children with autism exhibited significantly higher CAT activity compared to the control group.
- The autism group showed significantly lower TAC and TTM concentrations than controls.
- These findings suggest an altered antioxidant status in children with autism.
Conclusions:
- Children with autism display elevated oxidative stress markers.
- This increased oxidative stress may play a role in the development and manifestation of autism symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to explore the implications of oxidative stress in ASD.
Abstract:
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder usually presents in early childhood and thought to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with autism vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. It is common for children with autism to exhibit eating disorders and some have preferences for soft and sweetened food making them susceptible to caries. Furthermore, a wide spectrum of medical and behavioral symptoms exhibited by children with autism makes routine dental care very difficult. Intellectual disability is evident in approximately 70% of individuals with autism and most psychiatric disorders, including autism, are associated with increased oxidative stress. 29 subjects diagnosed with autism, in the age group of 6 to 12 years, were a part of the study. Furturemore, 24 normal healthy siblings of same age group were taken as the control group. The present study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers such as urinary total antioxidant concentration (TAC), catalase activity (CAT) and total thiol molecules (TTM). The results showed the autism group have significantly higher CAT activity and concomitant lower TAC and TTM concentration in comparison with control group. The results are discussed in relation to an increased vulnerability to oxidative damage, which may contribute to the development and clinical manifestation of symptoms of autism.
