Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that develops in childhood. Although genetics are a key factor in its development, neurological, environmental, and immunological influences also play significant roles. This study investigated the oxidative DNA damage (ODD) biomarker 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) in children with autism, exploring its connection to disease severity and the DNA repair enzyme oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (OGG1). This study investigated the oxidative DNA damage (ODD) biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), in children with autism, examining its relationship with disease severity and the DNA repair enzyme oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (OGG1). The study included 89 children with ASD and 29 typically developing children in an observational controlled cross-sectional design. Autism severity was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). ELISA was used to measure serum levels of 8-OHdG and OGG1.The results showed that children with autism had significantly higher serum 8-OHdG levels compared to healthy children (P=0.04), with a significant positive correlation with autism severity (P=0.02). Additionally, serum OGG1 levels were significantly lower in children with autism than in their healthy counterparts (P=0.0004), with a notable positive association with disease severity (P=0.0001). These findings indicate that elevated serum 8-OHdG levels may play a key role in oxidative DNA damage in ASD. Higher levels of 8-OHdG in children with severe ASD symptoms could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis. Furthermore, the reduced levels of the repair enzyme OGG1, associated with increased 8-OHdG levels, contribute to the observed DNA damage in ASD.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

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This study did not receive any funding

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethical approval was obtained from the Council of Ministry / Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research - Salahaddin University Directorate Postgraduate (approval no. 13793, issued on September 11, 2024), for all autism centers in Erbil city. Written informed consent was secured from the parents or legal guardians of the participating children, and the consent forms have been archived by the author.

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors

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