Variations in the content of satellite III (1Q12) and ribosomal repeat in the DNA of blood leukocytes of children with autism spectrum disorders during therapy

Background. It is known that exacerbation of chronic mental diseases is accompanied by a high level of psychoemotional stress, and is also associated with activation of nonspecific inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Children with ASD are more susceptible to the adverse effects of stress than average children due to the high level of comorbidity of ASD with other disorders. Earlier studies described the relationship between oxidative stress and repetitive DNA sequences (repeats) that make up a major part of the human genome. The content of satellite III (1q12) in the genomes of children with ASD and the effect of therapy on this parameter have not been determined. In this study, the amount of ribosomal repeat and satellite III (1q12) in the DNA of blood leukocytes of children with ASD who sought help at the Department of Child Psychiatry due to worsening their mental state (increasing concomitant behavioral and/or mood disorders) was established for the first time. The effect of the therapy on the content of these repeats was analyzed.