Abstract
Little is known about genetic and epigenetic alterations in autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, the efficiency of DNA repair in autism must be improved to correct these alterations. We examined whether 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) could reverse these alterations. We conducted experiments to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying these ameliorations. An assessment of genetic and epigenetic alterations by a modified comet assay showed elevated levels of oxidative DNA strand breaks and DNA hypermethylation in BTBR T(+)Itpr3(tf)/J (BTBR) mice used as a model of autism. Oxidative DNA strand breaks and DNA methylation were further quantified fluorometrically, and the results showed similar changes. Conversely, 3-AB treated BTBR mice showed a significant reduction in these alterations compared with untreated mice. The expressions of 43 genes involved in DNA repair were altered in BTBR mice. RT2 Profiler PCR Array revealed significantly altered expression of seven genes, which was confirmed by RT-PCR analyses. 3-AB treatment relieved these disturbances and significantly improved Ogg1 and Rad1 up-regulation. Moreover, autism-like behaviors were also mitigated in BTBR animals by 3-AB treatment without alterations in locomotor activities. The simultaneous effects of reduced DNA damage and DNA methylation levels as well as the regulation of repair gene expression indicate the potential of 3-AB as a therapeutic agent to decrease the levels of DNA damage and DNA methylation in autistic patients. The current data may help in the development of therapies that ultimately provide a better quality of life for individuals suffering from autism.