Oxidative stress in autism.
OBJECTIVE
Indirect markers are consistent with greater oxidative stress in autism. They include greater free-radical production, impaired energetics and cholinergics, and higher excitotoxic markers. Brain and gut, both abnormal in autism, are particularly sensitive to oxidative injury. Higher red-cell lipid peroxides and urinary isoprostanes in autism signify greater oxidative damage to biomolecules. A preliminary study found accelerated lipofuscin deposition--consistent with oxidative injury to autistic brain in cortical areas serving language and communication. Double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of potent antioxidants--vitamin C or carnosine--significantly improved autistic behavior. Benefits from these and other nutritional interventions may be due to reduction of oxidative stress. Understanding the role of oxidative stress may help illuminate the pathophysiology of autism, its environmental and genetic influences, new treatments, and prevention.


OBJECTIVE
Upon completion of this article, participants should be able to: 1. Be aware of laboratory and clinical evidence of greater oxidative stress in autism. 2. Understand how gut, brain, nutritional, and toxic status in autism are consistent with greater oxidative stress. 3. Describe how anti-oxidant nutrients are used in the contemporary treatment of autism.
McGinnis
Woody R
WR
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002336:Carnosine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000975:Antioxidants; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D002336:Carnosine; D001205:Ascorbic Acid