Autism with Mitochondrial Dysfunction

[ARPatACHRI]

Mitochondrial dysfunction is becoming recognized as one of the most common metabolic abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent studies have also implicated oxidative stress and redox abnormalities as associated with ASD. Despite the fact that the mitochondria is both the source and target of reactive oxygen species resulting from abnormal redox metabolism, the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal redox metabolism has not been investigated until now. A group of researchers led by Dr. Richard Frye, Director of the Autism Research Program at Arkansas Children?s Hospital Research Institute, examined redox abnormalities in two sub groups of children with ASD, those with mitochondrial disease (MD) and those without any biological markers or symptoms of MD. Results showed that both ASD groups manifested abnormal redox and immune metabolism, but in different ways. The research also demonstrated differences between the two groups in clinical and developmental characteristics -- those with MD had reduced scores in communication and daily living skills. Interestingly, redox metabolism was relative to developmental characteristics of the ASD group with MD but not the ASD group without MD. These findings suggest that different subgroups of children with ASD have different redox abnormalities, which may arise from different sources. The findings also suggest it is important to identify children with ASD and MD as they may respond differently to specific treatments because of their specific metabolic profile.

The open access article can be accessed at Translational Psychiatry - Redox metabolism abnormalities in autistic children associated with mitochondrial disease