Autism Studies and Related Medical Conditions, January 2009 - TACA

determined the observed haplotype effect. CONCLUSIONS: Overtransmission of
the GSTP1*A haplotype to case mothers suggests that action in the mother
during pregnancy likely increases the likelihood of AD in her fetus. If this is
confirmed and is a result of a gene-environment interaction occurring during
pregnancy, these findings could lead to the design of strategies for prevention or
treatment.
Yao, Y., W. J. Walsh, et al. (2006). "Altered vascular phenotype in autism: correlation
with oxidative stress." Arch Neurol 63(8): 1161-4.
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. DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: 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.
CONCLUSION: Besides enhanced oxidative stress, platelet and vascular
endothelium activation also could contribute to the development and clinical
manifestations of autism.
Yorbik, O., C. Akay, et al. (2004). "Zinc status in autistic children." J Trace Elem Exp
Med 17(2): 101-107.
Yorbik, O., A. Sayal, et al. (2002). "Investigation of antioxidant enzymes in children with
autistic disorder." Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 67(5): 341-3.
Impaired antioxidant mechanisms are unable to inactivate free radicals that may
induce a number of pathophysiological processes and result in cell injury. Thus,
any abnormality in antioxidant defence systems could affect neurodevelopmental
processes and could have an important role in the etiology of autistic disorder.
The plasma levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase
(SOD), and erythrocyte levels of GSH-Px were investigated in 45 autistic children
and compared with 41 normal controls. Levels of erythrocyte SOD, erythrocyte
and plasma GSH-Px were assayed spectrophotometrically. Activities of
erythrocyte SOD, erythrocyte and plasma GSH-Px in autistic children were
significantly lower than normals. These results indicate that autistic children have
low levels of activity of blood antioxidant enzyme systems; if similar
Autism Studies & Related Medical Conditions – TACA © Page 102