The Possible protective and therapeutic effects of Silymarin in rat model of valproic acid- induced autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) known by two basic symptoms: impairment in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for ASD, therefore further research is needed to improve patient outcome. In our research we aimed to assess the possible protective and therapeutic effects of Silymarin on cerebellum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in rat model of VPA-induced autism. Methods: The experiment was conducted on 35 Sprague-Dawley male rats divided into five equal groups; Control group; 7 male rats from the control female rats and the other 28 male rats from female rats that received IP VPA during pregnancy for other groups as follows untreated VP-induced autism, Risperidone-treated group (at a dose of 2.5 mg /kg IP from postnatal day 23 to 43), prenatal Silymarin-treated group and postnatal Silymarin-treated group in a dose of 200mg/kg orally for 15 days. Neurobehavioral assessment was conducted using the open field and elevated plus-maze tests. Oxidative stress markers in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were measured with histopathological analysis of the hippocampus and cerebellum. Results: VPA exposure impaired neurobehavioral performance, increased MDA values, reduced GSH levels in the PFC and increased the dystrophic changes in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Risperidone and Silymarin improved neurobehavioral performance, reduced oxidative stress markers and attenuated the degeneration in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Conclusions: So, we can conclude that Silymarin as therapeutic and prophylactic treatment might improve the autistic-like behavior in VPA-induced autism through its antioxidant effect.