Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of L-carnosine supplementation in children with autistic spectrum disorders.
L-Carnosine, a dipeptide, can enhance frontal lobe function or be neuroprotective. It can also correlate with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-homocarnosine interaction, with possible anticonvulsive effects. We investigated 31 children with autistic spectrum disorders in an 8-week, double-blinded study to determine if 800 mg L-carnosine daily would result in observable changes versus placebo. Outcome measures were the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, the Expressive and Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary tests, and Clinical Global Impressions of Change. Children on placebo did not show statistically significant changes. After 8 weeks on L-carnosine, children showed statistically significant improvements on the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (total score and the Behavior, Socialization, and Communication subscales) and the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary test (all P < .05). Improved trends were noted on other outcome measures. Although the mechanism of action of L-carnosine is not well understood, it may enhance neurologic function, perhaps in the enterorhinal or temporal cortex.
Chez
Michael G
MG
Research Division, Autism and Epilepsy Specialty Services of Illinois, Ltd, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, USA. mchezmd@interaccess.com
Buchanan
Cathleen P
CP
Aimonovitch
Mary C
MC
Becker
Marina
M
Schaefer
Karla
K
Black
Carter
C
Komen
Jamie
J
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002336:Carnosine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D002336:Carnosine