Lower circulating endocannabinoid levels in children with autism spectrum disorder.

ABSTRACT: Background:The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a major regulator of synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation. Alterations of the ECS have been demonstrated in several animal models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In some of these models, activating the ECS rescued the social deficits. Evidence for dysregulations of the ECS in human ASD are emerging, but comprehensive assessments and correlations with disease characteristics have not been reported yet. Methods:Serum levels of the main endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA or anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their related endogenous compounds, arachidonic acid (AA), N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), were analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 93 children with ASD (age?=?13.1?±?4.1, range 6-21; 79% boys) and 93 age- and gender-matched neurotypical children (age?=?11.8?±?4.3, range 5.5-21; 79% boys). Results were associated with gender and use of medications, and were correlated with age, BMI, and adaptive functioning of ASD participants as reflected by scores of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II (VABS-II), and Social Responsiveness Scale-II (SRS-2). Results:Children with ASD had lower levels (pmol/mL, mean?±?SEM) of AEA (0.722?±?0.045 vs. 1.252?±?0.072, P?

SUBMITTER: Aran A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6354384 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature