Aspirin's Role in Reducing Oxidative Stress: Implications for Cognition and Heart Function in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social communication and the presence of additional conditions such as heart disease. Oxidative stress has been linked to the severity of autism, suggesting a potential role for antioxidants in mitigating its effects. Aspirin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug, has shown protective effects on heart function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aspirin on cognition, social behavior, and left ventricular hypertrophy in adult male rats following induction of an autism model with valproic acid (VPA).

Methods

Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, VPA, aspirin, and VPA + aspirin. VPA was administered on the 12th day of pregnancy to induce the autism model. Offspring in the aspirin group received aspirin after weaning. Social behavior and cognition were assessed in adulthood, and left ventricular thickness and heart function were evaluated using echocardiography. Oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus were also measured.

Results

The results showed that VPA-exposed rats exhibited decreased social behavior and cognition compared to the control group. However, aspirin treatment improved social interaction and cognition in the VPA-exposed rats. Left ventricular thickness, heart rate, and volume increased in the VPA group, while aspirin treatment mitigated these changes. Additionally, VPA exposure led to increased oxidative stress, which was reduced by aspirin treatment (all cases p < 0.05).

Conclusion

VPA-induced autism model during pregnancy resulted in disturbances in social behavior, cognition, and heart function in offspring, accompanied by increased oxidative stress. Aspirin treatment showed improvements in social behavior, cognition, and cardiac parameters, possibly by reducing oxidative stress markers. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for aspirin in ameliorating the behavioral and cardiac issues associated with VPA-induced autism model.