High Serum Level of Homocysteine Is Associated with Increased Risk of Autism In Oman

Background: High level of homocysteine (HCY) is an indicator of impairment of folate-dependent methionine cycle, and is associated with oxidative stress, a condition under which the cellular antioxidants capacity is not counterbalancing the oxidative damage induced by various insults including, free radicals and environmental toxins. Studies suggest that oxidative stress can cause neuronal cell death and is involved in the pathogenesis of autism. No data is available on the HCY levels for the normal and autistic children in Oman.

Objectives: To compare the homocysteine levels as a biomarker of autism in normal and autistic Omani children

Materials and Methods: This case control study evaluated eighty Omani children, 40 diagnosed autistic children (3-5 years of age) and 40 their age and gender matched controls. Fasting serum HCY levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique.

Results: The results indicated that the mean serum HCY levels were significantly higher in autistic children (20.1 ± 3.3 µmol/L) as compared to controls (9.64 ± 2.1 µmol/L ) as well as to the normal reference values (5-15 µmol/L) .

Conclusions: Our study suggests that high fasting serum level of HCY might be used as a biomarker for an early diagnosis and management of autism.