Extraction, Phytochemical profile, and neuroprotective activity of fruit extract against sodium valproate-induced postnatal autism in BALB/c mice.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of amla (EAFA) extract on valproic acid (VPA)-induced postnatal autism in BALB/c mice. Our study revealed that mice treated with VPA on postnatal day 14 (PND14) showed significant abnormal behaviours such as social interaction, social affiliation, anxiety, and motor coordination compared to the control group, while EAFA extract treatment (100 mg/kg) ameliorated these symptoms. Our study highlights the protective effect of EAFA extract on improving behavioural alterations, significantly restoring anti-oxidative enzymes such as GST and GR, and reducing MDA and NO levels.

Sex Differences in Animal Models of Sodium-Valproate-Induced Autism in Postnatal BALB/c Mice: Whole-Brain Histoarchitecture and 5-HT2A Receptor Biomarker Evidence.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by problems with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviour. In mice, the 14th postnatal day is believed to correspond to the third trimester of human embryonic development and is considered a vital period for central nervous system development. It has been shown that ASD affects 2 to 3 times more male than female individuals.