Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative stress in autism: evidence from children and a mouse model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key factor in neurodevelopment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the variability of peripheral BDNF levels in ASD remains debated. We sought to investigate the relationship between circulating oxidative stress and peripheral BDNF in children with ASD.

Methods

We analyzed plasma BDNF levels and redox status in both plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) among children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children aged 2-5 years. We generated an autism-like mouse model via prenatal exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). To modulate circulating redox balance, we employed tyrosine kinase-driven lentiviral expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) tran

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12316702 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature