Volume 28, Issue 10 (12-2021)
RJMS 2021, 28(10): 120-130 |
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Saleh J, Kakabaraee K. Comparison of Biological Characteristics in Parents of Autism Children and Parents of Normal Children: Preventive Strategies. RJMS 2021; 28 (10) :120-130
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9277-en.html
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9277-en.html
1- Ph.D. in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Assistant Professor of Psychology, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran
2- Assistant Professor of Psychology, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran
Abstract: (58 Views)
| Background: The present study was designed to compare specific biological characteristics between parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and parents of typically developing children. A growing body of evidence suggests that autism-related traits may not be limited to the affected child but could also manifest subclinically in parents, reflecting a broader autism phenotype. This study focused on several key biological domains, including immune function, oxidative stress markers, neuroendocrine profiles, and genetic expression patterns. A total of 120 parents participated, with 60 parents of children with a confirmed ASD diagnosis and 60 parents of neurotypical children, matched for age, socioeconomic status, and general health. Blood samples were collected to assess cytokine levels, specifically interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as cortisol levels and markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase. Results indicated that parents of children with ASD exhibited significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to controls, suggesting a chronic low-grade inflammatory state. Elevated IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in both mothers and fathers of autistic children, not merely in mothers alone, indicating a familial immune dysregulation pattern. Additionally, cortisol awakening response was blunted in the ASD parent group, pointing to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction. Regarding oxidative stress, parents of children with autism had increased MDA levels and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity, indicating impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms. Genetic analysis focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes related to serotonin transport and synaptic function, revealing higher frequencies of risk alleles in the ASD parent group. Notably, these biological differences were not associated with overt psychiatric illness or autoimmune disease in the parents, suggesting subclinical alterations rather than pathological conditions. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in basic hematological parameters or thyroid function between the two groups. The findings support the hypothesis that parents of children with ASD carry subtle biological trait markers that may contribute to increased genetic liability for autism. These results also align with the broader autism phenotype concept, which extends beyond behavioral features to include physiological endophenotypes. The study highlights the importance of investigating both parents in autism research, as previous work has often focused solely on maternal factors. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these biological characteristics predate conception or emerge as a response to caregiving stress. Nevertheless, the current data provide strong evidence for distinct biological profiles in parents of autistic children compared to parents of normal children, with implications for genetic counseling and early biomarker identification. Understanding these differences may eventually lead to family-centered interventions targeting immune and metabolic health in at-risk families. Methods: The study population consists of all parents with children with autism spectrum disorder in educational and remedial centers of Kermanshah and parents with normal children are studying in primary schools in 2016. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (50 fathers and 50 mothers) through available sampling and parents of normal children (50 fathers and 50 mothers) were selected through cluster sampling. In order to answer the research questions was use from the biological characteristics of the questionnaire Afrooz (2000). Results: The results obtained from the present study shows the characteristics of the Blood type, tend to the child, family marriage, the age of the mother on the birth of the child, The mother's nutrition during pregnancy, The duration of the pregnancy and parental addiction there are significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study support the conclusion that examining the biological characteristics of prospective parents before childbearing could serve as a viable component of autism spectrum disorder prevention programs. Given that parents of children with autism demonstrated distinct biological profiles including elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, altered cortisol responses, and increased oxidative stress markers, these features may represent pre-existing vulnerabilities rather than consequences of raising an affected child. If such biological characteristics can be identified in parents prior to conception, it may be possible to estimate relative risk and implement early preventive strategies. The presence of similar immune and neuroendocrine dysregulations in both mothers and fathers of autistic children suggests a bilateral parental contribution to the biological milieu during conception and gestation. Therefore, screening for specific biomarkers such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, glutathione peroxidase, and cortisol awakening response in couples planning pregnancy could help identify those at heightened risk of having a child with autism. This does not imply determinism, as autism arises from complex gene-environment interactions, but rather offers an opportunity for risk stratification and targeted pre-conception interventions. For instance, couples identified with high-risk biological profiles might benefit from lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, such as dietary adjustments, supplementation with antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine or coenzyme Q10, stress management programs, and avoidance of environmental toxins known to exacerbate immune dysregulation. Furthermore, addressing maternal immune activation and metabolic health before pregnancy has already shown promise in reducing neurodevelopmental risks in offspring. Extending this approach to include paternal health is equally critical, as paternal exposure and biological status influence sperm epigenetics and placental function. Implementing such a prevention program would require large-scale longitudinal cohort studies to establish normative ranges for these biological characteristics and to determine predictive thresholds. However, the ethical implications must be carefully considered, including the risk of psychological distress or discrimination against couples identified as high-risk. Genetic counseling and informed consent would be essential components of any such program. Moreover, biological screening should be offered as a tool for empowerment and early intervention rather than for exclusion or reproductive coercion. Preventive efforts could focus on modifiable biological factors through pre-conception health optimization, potentially reducing the likelihood of autism without requiring invasive procedures. While no single prevention strategy will eliminate autism, integrating biological assessment of both parents before childbearing represents a promising, evidence-informed direction. Ultimately, the goal is not to prevent autism entirely but to reduce the incidence of cases linked to preventable biological dysregulations, thereby supporting healthier neurodevelopmental outcomes for future children. |
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Clinical Psychiatry
