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Oxidative Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorder-Current Progress of Mechanisms and Biomarkers
Xukun Liu1,2,3, Jing Lin1, Huajie Zhang1
1College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
Insights
Oxidative stress is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development through mechanisms like protein changes and abnormal metabolism. Identifying biomarkers for oxidative stress could aid early ASD diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing neurodevelopmental concern with unclear causes.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving ASD outcomes.
- Current diagnostic methods lack specific biomarkers for ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on oxidative stress mechanisms in ASD.
- To identify potential biomarkers for oxidative stress in ASD.
- To explore the utility of these biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating oxidative stress in ASD.
- Analysis of mass spectrometry and other advanced technologies in biomarker discovery.
- Synthesis of findings on oxidative stress pathways implicated in ASD.
Main Results:
- Elevated oxidative stress is frequently observed in individuals with ASD.
- Oxidative stress contributes to ASD via protein modifications, altered metabolism, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- Various biomarkers for oxidative stress have been identified and employed in ASD research.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of ASD.
- Identified biomarkers show promise for early ASD detection and monitoring intervention effectiveness.
- Targeted pharmacological and nutritional interventions for ASD may be informed by oxidative stress pathways.
Abstract:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that has been diagnosed in an increasing number of children around the world. Existing data suggest that early diagnosis and intervention can improve ASD outcomes. However, the causes of ASD remain complex and unclear, and there are currently no clinical biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder. More mechanisms and biomarkers of autism have been found with the development of advanced technology such as mass spectrometry. Many recent studies have found a link between ASD and elevated oxidative stress, which may play a role in its development. ASD is caused by oxidative stress in several ways, including protein post-translational changes (e.g., carbonylation), abnormal metabolism (e.g., lipid peroxidation), and toxic buildup [e.g., reactive oxygen species (ROS)]. To detect elevated oxidative stress in ASD, various biomarkers have been developed and employed. This article summarizes recent studies about the mechanisms and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Potential biomarkers identified in this study could be used for early diagnosis and evaluation of ASD intervention, as well as to inform and target ASD pharmacological or nutritional treatment interventions.
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