Neurometabolite differences in Autism as assessed with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #autistic-disorder #magnetic-resonance-spectroscopy #brain #gamma-aminobutyric-acid

Neurometabolite differences in Autism as assessed with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Thomson et al., 2024 | Neurosci Biobehav Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Thomson Alice R, Pasanta Duanghathai, ... Puts Nicolaas A. Neurometabolite differences in Autism as assessed with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2024-Jul;162:105728. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105728

Abstract

1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive technique that can be used to quantify the concentrations of metabolites in the brain in vivo. MRS findings in the context of autism are inconsistent and conflicting. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of MRS studies measuring glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as brain metabolites involved in energy metabolism (glutamine, creatine), neural and glial integrity (e.g. n-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline, myo-inositol) and oxidative stress (glutathione) in autism cohorts. Data were extracted and grouped by metabolite, brain region and several other factors before calculation of standardised effect sizes. Overall, we find significantly lower concentrations of GABA and NAA in autism, indicative of disruptions to the balance between excitation/inhibition within brain circuits, as well as neural integrity. Further analysis found these alterations are most pronounced in autistic children and in limbic brain regions relevant to autism phenotypes. Additionally, we show how study outcome varies due to demographic and methodological factors , emphasising the importance of conforming with standardised consensus study designs and transparent reporting.

Key Findings

Additionally, we show how study outcome varies due to demographic and methodological factors , emphasising the importance of conforming with standardised consensus study designs and transparent reporting.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Autistic Disorder
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Brain
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Glutamic Acid

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09