Altered plasma fatty acids composition in autism spectrum disorder: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents with diverse clinical symptoms, often leading to diagnostic delays.
• Identifying reliable biomarkers for ASD is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
• Fatty acids are emerging as potential biomarkers due to their role in neurological function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific fatty acids and the risk of ASD in children.
• To identify distinct fatty acid metabolites that differentiate children with ASD from typically developing children.

Main Methods:

• Plasma samples from 131 children (ages 2-6) with and without ASD were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC-FID/MS).
• Levels of 22 fatty acids and the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio were compared between groups.
• Multivariable models adjusted for covariates, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed biomarker discriminatory power.

Main Results:

• Arachidonic acid (AA) and C24:0 levels were significantly lower in children with ASD compared to controls (P=0.044 and P=0.019, respectively).
• The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)/AA ratio was significantly higher in children with ASD.
• ROC analysis indicated moderate discriminatory potential for AA, C24:0, and the ALA/AA ratio (AUCs ranging from 0.60 to 0.62).

Conclusions:

• Children with ASD exhibit altered plasma fatty acid profiles, notably lower AA and C24:0, and an elevated ALA/AA ratio.
• These fatty acid disturbances may contribute to the underlying pathophysiology of ASD.
• Modulating fatty acid levels presents a potential therapeutic avenue for ASD intervention.