Objective The aim of present study was to detect methylation rate of CpG unit of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promoter and to study the epigenetic mechanism of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).Methods Total of 12 ASD patients and 12 healthy controls were recruited.The methylation rate of CpG unit in BDNF promoter Ⅰ and Ⅳ were detected using Sequenom MassArray method.The methylation model,correlationship,evolutionary relationship of CpG units in BDNF promoter Ⅰ and Ⅳ were detected and compared between ASD patients and healthy controls.Results The methylation rate was identified in 17 and 8 CpG units in BDNF promoter][and BDNF promoter Ⅳ.A close correlation distance was detected in BDNF promoter Ⅰ CpG units 4,7,10,35,and BDNF promoter Ⅳ CpG units 11.12,14.BDNF promoter][CpG units 4,7,10,35,and BDNF promoter Ⅳ CpG units 11.12,14 could be clustered.ASD patients had a significant lower methylation rate in BDNF promoter Ⅰ CpG unit 5.6 and Ⅳ CpG units 3 and 15 compare with healthy controls (P＜0.05).Conclusions The DNA methylation rate in BDNF pronoter Ⅰ CpG unit 5.6 and Ⅳ CpG units 3 and 15 may be used as potential biomarkers of ASD.

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