Gesivaldo Santos*, Julita M.P. Borges, Marco Avila-Rodriguez, Silvana B. Gaíno, George E. Barreto, Érika P. Rúbio, Rosane M. Aguiar, Eduardo Galembeck, Cattiúscia B. Bromochenkel and Djalma M. de Oliveira Pages 4747 - 4754 ( 8 )
Free radicals (FR) act on living organisms and present unpaired electrons in the molecular orbitals of oxygen or nitrogen species. They are classified as redox reactions and account for a wide range of processes in biological systems. Genetic and environmental factors may alter the levels of FR in the cell, leading to deleterious consequences such as membrane lipid peroxidation, protein nitration, enzyme, carbohydrate and DNA damage, ultimately resulting in premature aging and a pro-inflammatory microenvironment as observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). O2 radical ability to act as a Lewis base and to form a complex with metal transition such as iron and copper (Lewis acids) leads to biomolecules oxidation at physiological pH, thus increasing the possibility of injury and oxidative damage in biological tissues. In this review, we discuss the role of metals, like copper, and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) derivative (s-APP-alpha) as an antioxidant and a possible adjuvant in the treatment of some autistic spectrum disorder symptoms (ASD).
Autism, copper, free radicals, amyloid precursor protein, s-APP-alpha, insulin, metabolomics.
Department of Biological Science, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Department of Science and Technology, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Department of Clinical Science, Universidad del Tolima-Tolima, Federal University of Reconcavo Bahia, Bahia, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Department of Science and Technology, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Department of Science and Technology, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas-São Paulo, São Paulo, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bahia, Department of Science and Technology, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia