Oxidative pathways as a drug target for the treatment of autism.
BACKGROUND
Autism is a severe, pervasive developmental disorder, the aetiology of which is poorly understood. Current pharmacological treatment options for autism are often focused on addressing comorbid behavioural problems, rather than core features of the disorder. Investigation of a new treatment approach is needed.


METHODS
Recent research has indicated a possible role of abnormalities in oxidative homeostasis in the pathophysiology of autism, based on reports that a range of oxidative biomarkers are significantly altered in people with autism. This article reviews the current findings on oxidative stress in autism, including genetic links to oxidative pathways, changes in antioxidant levels and other oxidative stress markers. We conducted a search of the literature up to June 2010, using Medline, Pubmed, PsycINFO, CINAHL PLUS and BIOSIS Previews.


RESULTS
This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the role of oxidative stress in autism. This will assist in highlighting areas of future therapeutic targets and potential underlying pathophysiology of this disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
Abnormalities in oxidative homeostasis may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism. Antioxidant treatment may form a potential therapeutic pathway for this complex disorder.
University of Melbourne, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Victoria 3220, Australia. k.villagonzalo@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
Kristi-Ann
KA
Villagonzalo
Seetal
S
Dodd
Olivia
O
Dean
Kylie
K
Gray
Bruce
B
Tonge
Michael
M
Berk
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015415:Biomarkers; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers