Autism and Fragile X: Is There a Neurochemical Link?

Authors

  • Nagwa A. Meguid Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Center, Cairo
  • Hazem M. Atta Clinical Biochemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh Branch, Jeddah, 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini, Cairo, 11562
  • Laila A. Rashed Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini, Cairo 11562
  • Amr S. Gouda Biochemical Genetics Department, National Research Center, Cairo
  • Rehab O. Khalil Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Center, Cairo
  • Adel F. Hashish Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Center, Cairo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2014.099

Keywords:

Autism, Fragile X Syndrome, Neurotransmitters, Serotonin, GABA, Glutamate.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Autism and Fragile X syndrome are intertwined. This study aimed at assessing Serotonin, Glutamate, and Gama Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) in autism and Fragile X syndrome patients and to detect possible neurochemical similarities between the 2 disorders that can be used as metabolic biomarkers.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighty subjects divided into four groups, two diseased groups (20 male patients with Autism and 20 males with Fragile X syndrome) and two control groups (20 neurotypical male controls and 20 Down syndrome male patients) were included. Estimation of Serotonin, Glutamate and GABA were done using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Tandem Mass Spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively.

RESULTS: Serotonin was, exclusively, significantly low in autistic children. GABA was significantly high in both autistic and Fragile X children only, but not in Down syndrome children. Glutamate was significantly high in children with autism, Fragile X and Down syndrome Children.

CONCLUSIONS: Autism and Fragile X syndrome share some neurochemical similarities with regards of high Glutamate and GABA levels while Serotonin was significantly different in the 2 disorders and may be used a unique biomarker for autism.

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Published

2014-12-15

How to Cite

1.
Meguid NA, Atta HM, Rashed LA, Gouda AS, Khalil RO, Hashish AF. Autism and Fragile X: Is There a Neurochemical Link?. Open Access Maced J Med Sci [Internet]. 2014 Dec. 15 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];2(4):551-6. Available from: https://oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/article/view/oamjms.2014.099

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Section

A - Basic Science

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