Biological role of copper in pathogenesis of autism in children: a literature review

The article summarizes the evidence on the biological role of copper and the role of copper metabolism disorders in neurodegenerative processes and pathogenesis of autism. The neuromodulating effects of copper ions and their role for cognitive functions are described. The results of original studies on copper metabolism in children with autistic disorders (AD) arepresented. Our review suggests that the current evidence is contradictory. While several publications indicate an increased level of copper in blood, hair, teeth, nails of AD patients, other studies do not report any difference in the concentration of copper between AD and healthy children. It isassumed that the dysregulation of copper metabolism in children with AD is associated with dysfunction of transport proteins. Data on copper involvement in the processes of management of free radical in children with AD arediscussed. Monitoring of metal-ligand homeostasis in children with AD iswarranted as well as the development of effective methods of correction of copper metabolism disorders.