Autism Studies and Related Medical Conditions, January 2009 - TACA

5 - Autism and Oxidative Stress (70 citations):
Abbott, L. C. and S. S. Nahm (2004). "Neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in
cerebellar mutant mice." Cerebellum 3(3): 141-51.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible, multifunctional signaling molecule found in many
areas of the brain. NO signaling is involved in a wide array of neurophysiological
functions including synaptogenesis, modulation of neurotransmitter release,
synaptic plasticity, central nervous system blood flow and cell death. NO
synthase (NOS) activity regulates the production of NO and the cerebellum
expresses high levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in granule, stellate and
basket cells. Cerebellar mutant mice provide excellent opportunities to study
changes of NO/NOS concentrations and activities to gain a greater understanding
of the roles of NO and NOS in cerebellar function. Here, we have reviewed the
current understanding of the functional roles of NO and NOS in the cerebellum
and present NO/NOS activities that have been described in various cerebellar
mutant mice and NOS knockout mice. NO appears to exert neuroprotective
effects at low to moderate concentrations, whereas NO becomes neurotoxic as
the concentration increases. Excessive NO production can cause oxidative stress
to neurons, ultimately impairing neuronal function and result in neuronal cell
death. Based on their genetics and cerebellar histopathology, some of cerebellar
mutant mice display similarities with human neurological conditions and may
prove to be valuable models to study several human neurological disorders, such
as autism and schizophrenia.
Amminger, G. P., G. E. Berger, et al. (2007). "Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in
children with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study." Biol
Psychiatry 61(4): 551-3.
BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that fatty acid deficiencies or
imbalances may contribute to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders.
METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-
week pilot trial investigating the effects of 1.5 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids (.84
g/d eicosapentaenoic acid, .7 g/d docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation in 13
children (aged 5 to 17 years) with autistic disorders accompanied by severe
tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior. The outcome measure was the
Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) at 6 weeks. RESULTS: We observed an
advantage of omega-3 fatty acids compared with placebo for hyperactivity and
stereotypy, each with a large effect size. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a
trend toward superiority of omega-3 fatty acids over placebo for hyperactivity.
No clinically relevant adverse effects were elicited in either group.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that
omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism.
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