1. Introduction
ASD, neuroinflammation, Autism, Autism spectrum disorder, neurodevelopmental disorder, mitochondrial dysfunction, autistic, autism
MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION, OXIDATIVE STRESS, PATHOGENESIS, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder with repetitive behaviour which affects interaction and communication. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate abundant in the seeds and sprouts of cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to be effective in alleviating autistic behaviour. We performed a prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study to examine the possible effect of SFN in a paediatric cohort aged three to seven years based on measurements of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2), and the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC). The study consisted of three visits over the duration of 36 weeks (baseline, 18 weeks, and 36 weeks). Twenty-eight of the 40 randomized children completed the study. The mean total raw scores on ABC and SRS-2 improved in both groups, but none of the changes reached statistical significance (ABC: 0 weeks Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the ability to initiate and sustain reciprocal social interaction and communication, as well as being characterized by repetitive behaviour, interests, or activities [Even though the exhaustive pathogenesis description of ASD remains masked, a substantial body of publications has indicated that the pathophysiology of ASD is affected by immune response dysregulation, inflammatory conditions, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction [Sulforaphane (SFN, 4-methylsulfinylbutyl isothiocyanate) is an isothiocyanate abundant in the seeds and sprouts of cruciferous vegetables. This multifunctional phytochemical is beneficial for cytoprotection, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, mitochondrial and synaptic function, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotective mechanisms [The hope for the SFN’s efficiency in autism was brought to light by the placebo-controlled double-blind randomized study of Singh et al. [As young children with diagnosed autism are believed to be sensitive to any possible therapeutic intervention, we aimed to examine the possible effect of SFN in the age cohort of three to seven years in the present study by using the objective and subjective criteria for mental and behavioural changes (ADOS-2, SRS-2 and ABC).