RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The role of oxidative stress has been identified in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase have been associated with some diseases linked to oxidative stress. Hence, we evaluated the serum levels of oxidative stress markers and investigated genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase associated with autism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two children clinically diagnosed with ASD using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria and a clinical interview were included in the study. Twenty-three age-matched controls without any known genetic/developmental disorder were also recruited. Oxidative stress markers along with the genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase were determined. RESULTS: Reduced glutathione in ASD patients was significantly lower than the control (P = 0.008), whereas other oxidative stress markers measured were not significantly different in both the control and case populations. The frequencies of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes were lower among the controls compared with the cases, however, no association risk was observed. The observed risk of carrying Val/Val genotype among the cases was approximately six times that of the controls. CONCLUSION: Individuals with ASD showed a significant diminished level of reduced glutathione, however, the distribution of GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms was not found to be associated with autism in this study population.
Assuntos
Transtorno do Espectro Autista/enzimologia , Predisposição Genética para Doença/genética , Glutationa S-Transferase pi/genética , Glutationa Transferase/genética , Estresse Oxidativo/genética , Adolescente , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/sangue , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/genética , Biomarcadores/sangue , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Genótipo , Humanos , Masculino , Nigéria , Estresse Oxidativo/fisiologia , Polimorfismo GenéticoRESUMO
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a condition that may follow herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection with high mortality and serious morbidity among survivors. We report the case of a 2-year-old boy who presented to us with features of a central nervous system infection associated with visual and auditory impairments. Serology for HSV was positive and cerebro-spinal fluid culture yielded the virus. He was commenced on intravenous acyclovir and eventually responded to treatment after 21 days of therapy. Neurological deficits observed at discharge resolved by the third month. This case highlights the challenges of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and follow-up of such patients. In addition, there is a need for urgent documentation of the prevalence and associated factors of HSE in Nigeria.
