NRF2, KEAP1 and GSK-3 levels in autism spectrum disorder: a case control study

Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations

“…Six recent studies, not covered by the Yang et al [245] review, are discussed below. The study by Subasi Turgat et al [250] is a human case control study where the levels of the Nrf2 protein and its binding protein, Keap1, were measured in ASD patients and normal control patients. When Nrf2 is bound to Keap1, the Nrf2 protein undergoes rapid proteolysis, such that the levels of both of these two proteins are important in regulating Nrf2 function.…”

“…When Nrf2 is bound to Keap1, the Nrf2 protein undergoes rapid proteolysis, such that the levels of both of these two proteins are important in regulating Nrf2 function. Subasi Turgat et al [250] found that ASD patients had lower levels of Nrf2 and higher levels of Keap1 than normal controls, suggesting but not proving that lowered Nrf2 may have a role in ASD causation. Such causation is also suggested by the Porokhovnik et al [251] study, in which there were no significant differences shown in autism incidence in patients carrying a genetic polymorphism in the Nrf2 gene compared to those carrying the more common Nrf2 gene, but some significant differences in oxidative DNA effects and another stress response in ASD patients were shown.…”