THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GLUTATHIONE AND FOLATE STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Heleen S. Agab; Baidaa R. Ali

doi:10.61796/ijmi.v3i3.568

Authors

Heleen S. Agab
[email protected]
Department of Pathology Analysis, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq
Baidaa R. Ali Department of Pathology Analysis, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): International Journal Multidisciplinary (IJMI)

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August 21, 2026

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Objective: This narrative review discusses the possible relationship between folate status, glutathione metabolism, and behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), utilizing evidence from early Moriarty et al. studies exploring biochemical links of redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, and neurodevelopment through the FOLATE -dependent one-carbon metabolism pathway. Method: A review of the literature was performed from relevant publications related to glutathione depletion, folate receptor autoantibodies, and their interaction in pathogenesis of ASD. Results: Evidence reveals the prevalence of decreased glutathione (GSH) levels and oxidative stress imbalance in children with ASD, correlated with anti-FOLR1 IgG autoantibodies blocking folate transport across blood brain barrier. Novelty: This is the review combining the integrated metabolic pathways of GSH and folate; thus, it proposes that improving both oxidative stress and at least folate deficiency diagnosis via these two biomarker systems may provide novel diagnostic predictive or therapeutic biomarkers for ASD.

Agab, H. S., & Ali, B. R. (2026). THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GLUTATHIONE AND FOLATE STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A NARRATIVE REVIEW. International Journal Multidisciplinary (IJMI), 3(3), 144–157. https://doi.org/10.61796/ijmi.v3i3.568

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