FGF-21 and 8-OHdG Biomarkers in Drug-Naïve Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Researchers studied blood markers in 29 children with autism and 31 children without autism. They found that children with autism had higher levels of a marker called 8-OHdG, which shows cell damage from harmful molecules called 'free radicals.' Another marker (FGF-21) was the same in both groups. This suggests children with autism may have more cell damage, which could help scientists develop new treatments focused on protecting cells.

This study compared biomarkers of oxidative stress and DNA damage in 29 drug-naïve children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) versus 31 healthy controls. Researchers measured plasma levels of 8-OHdG (a marker of DNA damage and oxidative stress) and FGF-21 (a protein with neuroprotective functions). Results showed significantly elevated 8-OHdG levels in children with ASD compared to controls (p = 0.004), indicating increased oxidative stress and DNA damage. However, FGF-21 levels did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.44).

These findings support previous research suggesting oxidative stress plays a role in ASD pathophysiology and may inform future therapeutic approaches targeting oxidative stress reduction and DNA repair mechanisms.

Findings suggest oxidative stress may be a therapeutic target in ASD. 8-OHdG could potentially serve as a biomarker for monitoring oxidative stress in children with ASD. Results support exploring antioxidant interventions and DNA repair mechanisms as potential treatment approaches, though further research is needed to establish clinical utility.

Small sample size (29 ASD participants). Cross-sectional design prevents establishing causality. Study limited to drug-naïve children, which may not represent all children with ASD. No assessment of autism severity or functional outcomes in relation to biomarker levels.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by significant difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviours, with multifactorial causes that include genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Recent studies have highlighted altered levels of specific biomarkers associated with DNA damage in children with ASD. These alterations become more evident due to increased oxidative stress, a common feature in individuals diagnosed with ASD. This study aimed to investigate plasma levels of FGF-21-an endogenous protein with metabolic and, primarily, neuroprotective functions-and its relationship with the biomarker 8OHdG, which is widely recognized as an indicator of oxidative stress and cellular and DNA damage.

The research included 29 drug-naive children diagnosed with ASD and 31 healthy control children. The 8OHdG result showed a statistically significant difference when comparing patients diagnosed with ASD to healthy controls (t = 2.768, df = 58, p = 0.004), indicating a relevant difference in the levels of this biomarker and DNA damage between patients with ASD and controls. In contrast, the analysis of FGF-21 (p = 0.44) did not show a significant difference in both groups. These findings pave the way for future research that may lead to innovative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of children with ASD, focusing on reducing oxidative stress and DNA repair.