ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANT FOLIUM EXPOSURE ON OXIDATIVE SRESS IN A VALPROIC ACID-INDUCED ANIMAL MODEL OF AUTISM

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant defenses.
• Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in rats can model ASD-like behaviors and biochemical changes.
• Herbal antioxidant supplements are explored for their potential therapeutic effects in ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of four Folium herbal antioxidant supplements (F. Relax, F. P53, F. pX, F. Immuno) in mitigating VPA-induced oxidative stress and behavioral changes in a rat model of ASD.
• To assess the impact of these supplements on blood pressure, heart rate, and oxidative stress markers (d-ROMs, OSI).

Main Methods:

• Male outbred white rats were administered VPA to induce an ASD model.
• Different Folium supplements were administered to VPA-treated rats.
• Systemic blood pressure, heart rate, and oxidative (d-ROM) and antioxidant (PAT) statuses were measured.
• Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Student's t-test.

Main Results:

• VPA treatment induced ASD-like behaviors, hypertension, increased heart rate, elevated free radicals (d-ROMs), and a higher oxidative stress index (OSI).
• All Folium supplements normalized blood pressure; F. Immuno did not decrease heart rate.
• F. pX did not significantly alter d-ROMs or OSI compared to the VPA group.

Conclusions:

• Prenatal VPA exposure in rats effectively models ASD-associated behavioral and oxidative stress patterns.
• F. Relax, F. P53, and F. Immuno show promise in alleviating oxidative stress and regulating blood pressure in this ASD model.
• Further collaborative research with scientific institutions and medical schools is essential to validate these findings for clinical application in individuals with ASD.