PRIMARY STUDY

Lower circulating endocannabinoid levels in children with autism spectrum disorder

Key Findings:  Researchers found lower serum levels of AEA, PEA, and OEA in children with ASD. Further studies are needed to determine whether circulating endocannabinoid levels can be used as stratification biomarkers that identify clinically significant subgroups within the autism spectrum and if they reflect lower endocannabinoid “tone” in the brain, as found in animal models of ASD.

Type of Study:  Meta-analysis

Study Sample Size:  186

Study Result:  Inconclusive

Study Location(s):  Israel

Year of Pub:  2019


Cannabinoids Studied:  Anandamide (AEA), Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), 2-Arachidonoyl Glycerol (2-AG), Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL), Other Related Compounds

Receptors Studied:  CB1, CB2, TRPV1, PPAR - Alpha