Role of NAD+, Oxidative Stress, and Tryptophan Metabolism in Autism Spectrum Disorders. (January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Essa, Musthafa Mohamed; Subash, Selvaraju; Braidy, Nady; Al-Adawi, Samir; Lim, Chai K; Manivasagam, Tamilarasan; Guillemin, Gilles J
• Is Part Of: International journal of tryptophan research. Volume 6(2013)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2013-01
• Subjects: Autism -- oxidative stress -- NAD -- tryptophan -- antioxidants -- mitochondrial dysfunction; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Tryptophan -- Periodicals; Tryptophan; Biochemical Phenomena; Biochemistry; Tryptophan; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 572.65
• DOI: 10.4137/IJTR.S11355
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1178-6469

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neuro-developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, reduced/absent verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive behavior during early childhood. The etiology of this developmental disorder is poorly understood, and no biomarkers have been identified. Identification of novel biochemical markers related to autism would be advantageous for earlier clinical diagnosis and intervention. Studies suggest that oxidative stress-induced mechanisms and reduced antioxidant defense, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired energy metabolism (NAD +, NADH, ATP, pyruvate, and lactate), are major causes of ASD. This review provides renewed insight regarding current autism research related to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered tryptophan metabolism in ASD.