Lipid Profiles and Liver Enzymes in Autistic Patients in Iraq, a Case-Control Study

Abstract

his study investigated possible differences in lipid profile and liver enzymes between autistic children and healthy controls. The study included 32 autistic patients (26 males, 6 females, 5-10 years) and 32 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken from all participants, and cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, ALP, ALT, and AST levels were measured. The results showed that the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, ALT, and AST were significantly reduced in the autistic group compared to the control group No significant differences were observed in the levels of HDL, LDL and ALP. ROC analysis revealed strong discriminatory power for ALT and AST to discriminate between autistic and healthy children. The Pearson correlation matrix showed strong positive correlations between most of the measured parameters. These findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting altered lipid metabolism in autism. The observed reduction in lipid levels may be related to its important role in brain development and synaptogenesis. Low HDL levels may be associated with impaired lipid metabolism in autistic individuals. Significant differences in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) suggest the possibility of mitochondrial dysfunction in autistic children. This study highlights the potential role of lipid profile and liver enzyme testing in the understanding and diagnosis of autism. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which these factors are associated with autism spectrum disorders.