Characterization of the Pathological and Biochemical Markers that Correlate the Clinical Features of Autism
Abstract
Brain tissue is highly heterogeneous with different functions localized in specific areas. Our results suggest that there is increased oxidative damage (as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation, protein and DNA oxidation) coupled with reduced glutathione antioxidant capacity in the selective regions of the brain in the subjects with autism. These changes in autism were specific to the frontal cortex, temporal cortex and cerebellum, while parietal and occipital cortices were not affected. Free radicals and energy (ATP) are generated by the mitochondria in the cell with the help of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes. We have also reported brain region-specific deficit in mitochondrial ETC complexes in children with autism. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders. The complexity of ASDs is further increased because some affected individuals fall in the sub-group of regressive autism. We have reported that individuals with regressive autism have decreased activities of protein kinases, i.e. protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) in the frontal cortex of the brain. Such changes were not observed in individuals with non-regressive autism. These results suggest that abnormal cellular signaling in the frontal lobe of the brain may be associated with regression in autism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA586000
Entities
People
- Abha Chauhan
- B. Muthaiyah
- F. Gu
- J. Wegiel
- Liangliang Ji
- M. Barua
- M. M. Essa
- W. T. Brown
Organizations
- Research Foundation For Mental Hygiene