A Prospective Study of Transsulfuration Biomarkers in Autistic Disorders

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate transsulfuration metabolites in participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Transsulfuration metabolites, including: plasma reduced glutathione (GSH), plasma oxidized glutathione (GSSG), plasma cysteine, plasma taurine, plasma sulfate, and plasma free sulfate among participants diagnosed with ASDs (n = 38) in comparison to age-matched neurotypical controls were prospectively evaluated. Testing was conducted using Vitamin Diagnostics, Inc. (CLIA-approved). Participants diagnosed with ASDs had significantly (P < 0.001) decreased plasma reduced GSH, plasma cysteine, plasma taurine, plasma sulfate, and plasma free sulfate relative to controls. By contrast, participants diagnosed with ASDs had significantly (P < 0.001) increased plasma GSSG relative to controls. The present observations are compatible with increased oxidative stress and a decreased detoxification capacity, particularly of mercury, in patients diagnosed with ASDs. Patients diagnosed with ASDs should be routinely tested to evaluate transsulfuration metabolites, and potential treatment protocols should be evaluated to potentially correct the transsulfuration abnormalities observed.

Chromium, Cadmium, and Lead Levels in Urine of Children with Autism and Typically Developing Controls

“…[3]. Decreased levels of GSH and cysteine in autism and autistic spectrum disorders were reported in miscellaneous number of articles [31][32][33][34]. Increased level of Cr in autism may contribute to decreased levels of GSH and cysteine.…”

Antioxidants: An Overview on the Natural and Synthetic Types

“…Thus, oxidative stress significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, autism and aging. [14][15][16][17] In order to prevent or reduce the ROS induced oxidative damage, the human body and other organisms have developed an antioxidant defense system that includes enzymatic, metal chelating and free radical scavenging activities to neutralize these radicals after they have formed. In addition, intake of dietary antioxidants may help to maintain an adequate antioxidants status in the body.…”

Altered Heavy Metals and Transketolase Found in Autistic Spectrum Disorder

“…When these metabolites were evaluated in ASD-diagnosed individuals and compared to neurotypical age-matched controls, the individuals diagnosed with ASD had significantly (p<0.001) decreased plasma-reduced glutathione, cysteine, taurine, sulfate, and free sulfate relative to controls [9]. It is the pentose phosphate pathway that provides a major source of reducing equivalents important for the reduction of glutathione.…”