Department of Experimental Medicine - Division of Pharmacology, Second University of Naples; via S. Maria di Costantinopoli, 16 - 80138 Napoli, Italy.
Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2013 Dec;14(8):674-9.
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are heterogeneous, severe neurodevelopmental pathologies. These enigmatic conditions have their origins in the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Dysfunctions in social interactions and communication skills, restricted interests, repetitive and stereotypic verbal and non-verbal behaviours are the main core symptoms. Several biochemical processes are associated with ASDs: oxidative stress; endoplasmic reticulum stress; decreased methylation capacity; limited production of glutathione; mitochondrial dysfunction; intestinal impaired permeability and dysbiosis; increased toxic metal burden; immune dysregulation. Current available treatments for ASDs can be divided into behavioural, nutritional and medical approaches, although no defined standard approach exists. Dietary bioactive proteins and peptides show potential for application as health-promoting agents. Nowadays, increasing studies highlight a key role of bioactive proteins and peptides in ASDs. This review will focus on the state-of-the-art regarding the involvement of dietary bioactive proteins and peptides in ASDs. Identification of novel therapeutic targets for ASD management will be also discussed.
自闭症和自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）是异质性的、严重的神经发育病理学。这些神秘的病症起源于多种基因和环境因素的相互作用。社交互动和沟通技能障碍、兴趣受限、重复和刻板的言语和非言语行为是主要的核心症状。一些生化过程与 ASD 有关：氧化应激；内质网应激；甲基化能力下降；谷胱甘肽产量有限；线粒体功能障碍；肠道通透性受损和菌群失调；有毒金属负荷增加；免疫失调。目前 ASD 的治疗方法可分为行为、营养和医疗方法，但尚无明确的标准方法。膳食生物活性蛋白质和肽具有作为促进健康的药物的应用潜力。如今，越来越多的研究强调了生物活性蛋白质和肽在 ASD 中的关键作用。这篇综述将重点介绍膳食生物活性蛋白质和肽在 ASD 中的最新研究进展。还将讨论 ASD 管理中新型治疗靶点的鉴定。
