Assessment of Saliva Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Gingival Health Status in a Sample of High-Functioning Autistic Children in Erbil City.

Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Several investigations have documented increased oxidative stress and damage in individuals with ASD compared with neurotypical controls. Saliva can be used as a non-invasive technique to assess oxidative stress biomarkers. This study aimed to explore the association between oxidative stress and oral health in a sample of high-functioning children with autism in Erbil City. Methods We conducted a case-control study with 96 participants aged 5-12 years, which included 48 children with ASD and 48 healthy controls. Stimulated saliva samples were collected and centrifuged. Oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde [MDA], glutathione [GSH], and uric acid) and gingival/plaque indices were also measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with significance set at p≤0.05. Results The data showed no significant differences between the ASD and control groups in the gingival index, salivary malondialdehyde, glutathione, or uric acid levels. However, the control group had a significantly higher mean plaque index than the ASD group (P = 0.003). Conclusion Sample size and confounding variables may influence the absence of significant differences in gingival index and salivary oxidative stress biomarkers between groups. The higher plaque index in controls aligns with plaque gingivitis. Age differences could impact oral health interpretations. Further research is needed to understand significant factors and the clinical significance of these findings in pediatric ASD populations. Most autistic children were from educated families and had good oral hygiene in addition to special care by the staff of the center.
Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Ethics and Scientific Committee of Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties for Scientific issued approval 2275-08/12/ 2022. This study was submitted to the Ethics and Scientific Committee of the Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties for scientific and ethical approval, which was achieved (2275-08/12/2022). This study was explained to the parents, and written consent was obtained. Confidentiality and anonymity of data were ensured. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
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