Flutamide alters markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental model of autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder withcomplex etiology and phenotypes. Many clinical and pre-clinical study have demonstrated the association of propionic acid (PPA) with ASD. This study evaluates the potential effect of flutamide (2mg/kg and 4mg/kg, ip) in PPA induced ASD phenotype. PPA (250 mg/kg, po) was administered to Albino Wistar rats from post-natal day (PND) 21^st to 23^rd to induce ASD like neurobehavioral and neurobiochemical alterations. Animals were experimented for behavioral (open field, hole board apparatus, grooming) and biochemical parameters (TNF-α, IL-6, TBARS, and GSH). Post-natal PPA exposure resulted in hyperlocomotion, decreased exploratory activity as well as increased repetitive behavior in animals. Flutamide (2mg/kg and 4mg/kg, ip) administration rectifiedpost-natal PPA exposed behavioral and biochemical alterations in animals.