Reduced levels of plasma strong antioxidant uric acid in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Objective: Uric acid (UA) is one of the most powerful antioxidants in human body fluids, as well as being the end product of purine metabolism. UA alone constitutes half of the scavenging effect of oxidant substances in the plasma.It has proinflammatory and metal chelation effects. In this study, UA levels and UA situation according to the normal range were investigated in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Eighty-two ASD, 28 ADHD patients and 66 healthy control subjects were compared and serum UA levels were measured. ASD and ADHD severity were determined by CARS and Atilla Turgay ADHD scale. K-SADS-PL was administered to all subjects over the age of 6 years. Results: UA levels were found to be significantly lower in the ASD and ADHD groups. UA levels were found to be lower than the normal range in nearly half of the ASD and ADHD groups. This rate was found to be 18.2% in the control group. Conclusion: it was determined that UA levels were low in ASD and ADHD patients. It can be suggested that it may play a role in the pathophysiology of ASD and ADHD. UA may be a potential treatment target.