Oxidative stress – A promising candidate in explaining the neurobiology of autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

IntroductionThe diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are based on a phenotype, characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and by repetitive and restricted interests. However, this might not represent a single clinical entity, but a behavioral manifestation of different neurodevelopmental deficits with a multifactorial etiology. Small studies have shown elevated levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of anti-oxidants in patients with ASD, and correlations with the severity of ASD. Therapies targeting oxidative stress have shown improvements regarding behavior, social interaction and verbal communication in patients with ASD, supporting the oxidative stress theory.ObjectivesTo evaluate the importance of oxidative stress in the neurobiology of adults with ASD.AimsThere is a need to understand the neurobiology of ASD, therefore this study analyzes the level of oxidative stress in a larger cohort of patients with ASD and compares to controls.MethodsThe study includes 350 patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with ICD-10 diagnoses F84.0, F84.1, F84.5 or F84.8 and compared to gender and age matched neurotypical controls. The included probands will have their serum and plasma analyzed for levels of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase 1 and 2, catalase, glutathioneperoxidase, malonialdehyde, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and xanthinoxidase).ResultsThe preliminary results will be presented at the EPA in March 2016 in Madrid.ConclusionWith this study we aim to elucidate some of the neurobiology in ASD. This could lead to new potential targets for treatment and prevention of the disorders.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.