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High KEAP1, NRF2 and Low HO-1 Serum Levels in Children with Autism

Hamza Ayaydin1, İsmail Akaltun2, İsmail Koyuncu3

  • 1Harran University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Şanlıurfa, Turkey.

Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi
|December 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show lower heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and higher kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) levels, indicating increased oxidative stress.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Oxidative stress pathways involving heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) are implicated in various neurological disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the levels of HO-1, NRF2, and KEAP1 in children diagnosed with ASD.
  • To explore the relationship between these biomarker levels and the severity of ASD symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 43 children with ASD (ages 3-12) and 41 healthy controls.
  • Levels of HO-1, KEAP1, and NRF2 were quantified using the ELISA technique.
  • ASD severity was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).

Main Results:

  • Children with ASD exhibited significantly lower HO-1 levels compared to controls.
  • Significantly higher levels of KEAP1 and NRF2 were observed in children with ASD.
  • No significant correlation was found between CARS scores and the measured biomarker levels.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest an elevated level of oxidative stress in children with ASD.
  • Insufficient HO-1 levels may contribute to the oxidative imbalance observed in ASD.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the role of these biomarkers in ASD pathophysiology.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderKEAP1NRF2heme oxygenase-1oxidative stress

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