Altered vascular phenotype in autism: correlation with oxidative stress.
BACKGROUND
Autism is a neurologic disorder characterized by impaired communication and social interaction. Results of previous studies showed biochemical evidence for abnormal platelet reactivity and altered blood flow in children with autism.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the vascular phenotype in children with autism.


METHODS
Urinary levels of isoprostane F(2alpha)-VI, a marker of lipid peroxidation; 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B(2), which reflects platelet activation; and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha), a marker of endothelium activation, were measured by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in subjects with autism and healthy control subjects.


METHODS
Children with a clinical diagnosis of autism attending the Pfeiffer Treatment Center.


RESULTS
Compared with controls, children with autism had significantly higher urinary levels of isoprostane F(2alpha)-VI, 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B(2), and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha). Lipid peroxidation levels directly correlated with both vascular biomarker ratios.


CONCLUSIONS
Besides enhanced oxidative stress, platelet and vascular endothelium activation also could contribute to the development and clinical manifestations of autism.
Yao
Yuemang
Y
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Walsh
William J
WJ
McGinnis
Woody R
WR
Praticò
Domenico
D
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000652:urine*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D010641:Phenotype; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000502:physiology
D015415:Biomarkers