FGF-21 and 8-OHdG Biomarkers in Drug-Naïve Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study examined plasma levels of FGF-21 and 8-OHdG biomarkers in 29 drug-naive children with ASD versus 31 healthy controls, finding significantly elevated 8-OHdG (indicating oxidative stress and DNA damage) in the ASD group, while FGF-21 showed no significant difference. The findings suggest oxidative stress may play a role in ASD pathophysiology and propose future research directions for stress-reduction therapeutic approaches.