Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by pervasive impairments in social communication along with repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. Although its distinctive etiology isn`t completely understood, genetic and environmental risk factors were incriminated. Being a flavonoid of high biomedical value, baicalin was recently verified as an emerging medicinal herb with numerous pharmacological activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasible effects of baicalin on valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism regarding its potential mitochondrial modulatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. The present study was performed using a rodent model of autism by exposing rat fetuses to VPA on the 12.5th day of gestation. Ten male Wistar rats that were born from control pregnant females were considered as group I (control group). Twenty male Wistar rats that were born from prenatal VPA- treated females were further divided into two groups: Group II (VPA- induced ASD) and group III (VPA + Baicalin). Postnatal baicalin promoted postnatal growth and maturation. In addition, it improved motor development and ameliorated repetitive behavior as well as social deficits in prenatally exposed VPA rats. Moreover, baicalin enhanced neuronal mitochondrial functions as evidenced by elevation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level and promotion of mitofusin-2 expression. Furthermore, baicalin elevated sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) level in VPA rats' brain tissues and restored the antioxidant defense mechanisms. Besides, it abrogated the neuronal histopathological changes in the brain tissues. Based on the data herein, baicalin may provide a promising pre-clinical therapeutic line in ASD as a mitochondrial function modulator, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
