Laser-based spectrometer for optical trace gas detection in young adults with autism

Autism is known as a complex neurodevelopmental disability that involve a combination of impairments in communication, reciprocal social interaction, and stereotypic behaviors. Many studies linked oxidative stress (OS) with the etiopathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but the literature reports somewhat contradictory results. The aim of our study was to evaluate ethylene as a by-products of OS in human body, in people with autism. We used a laser-based spectrometer for optical trace ethylene detection. The results indicated that OS was not significantly increased in this disorder. As a by-product of OS exhaled ethylene from adults with autism presented very small concentration differences compared to healthy controls. The possible responsible factor for the normality between the concentrations of breath ethylene at young adults with autism and control adults could be explained by the antioxidants intake together with the lifestyle and dietary patterns. Additional studies are needed to determine carefully which antioxidant will have the greatest therapeutic benefit considering the importance of oxidative stress in many biological reactions.