Oxidative Imbalance in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACTObjective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions and behavioral problems. Various genetic and environmental factors, including oxidative stress, are claimed to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. In this study, we aimed to examine the status of oxidative metabolism in ASD and the association between oxidative parameters and ASD symptom severity and subtype of ASD.Method: Thirty-three children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD (16 children diagnosed with autistic disorder, 13 children with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and 4 children with Asperger syndrome) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and 28 healthy controls, aged 2–17 years, were recruited in this study. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were evaluated using Rel Assay Kit in children and adolescents. The oxidative stress index...