Serum amino acid spectrum in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Background: ASD is associated with complex metabolic alterations including amino acid metabolism. However, the existing data are contradictory. Therefore, the objective of the present study was investigation of serum amino acid levels in children with ASD. Methods: A total of 97 boys (3–14 y.o.) including 64 children with diagnosed ASD and 33 neurotypical age-matched controls were enrolled in the current study. Assessment of serum amino acid levels was performed using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-detection. ClinChek® Plasma Control was used for laboratory quality control. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with adjustment for age and Bonferroni correction. Results. The obtained data demonstrate that the mean levels of Arg, Gln, His, Leu, Lys, Phe, Ser, Tau, Thr, and Trp in ASD were 28 %, 23 %, 20 %, 17 %, 21 %, 15 %, 21 %, 24 %, 19 %, and 22 % lower as compared to the control values, respectively. Serum Hypro and Tyr levels in children with ASD were more than 2-fold and 11 % higher as compared to the control values, respectively. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that serum Leu and Ser (negatively), and Hypro and Tyr levels (positively) were significantly associated with ASD. Conclusions: The obtained data demonstrate that children with ASD are characterized by a trend to multiple amino acid deficiency in parallel with elevation of serum Tyr and Hypro levels. The latter may provide a link between ASD and joint hypermobility. In turn, deficiency of other amino acids may impair neurobehavior in ASD due to their role as neuromediators or their precursors. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd