Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder belongs to a class of neurodevelopmental abnormality associated with complex behavioural traits and complications in social and cognitive performance. One in every hundred children has estimated to have autism according to the World Health Organisation. Therefore, research on the prognosis, diagnosis and therapy of autism spectrum disorder is the current need of the hour. Zebrafish as a model organism has enabled rapid advancements in neuroscience and biological psychiatry. Zebrafish behavioural characteristics can be used to understand the neuronal networks, physiological indicators and genetic basis of brain function. The search for neuroprotective medicines with fewer side effects has risen in popularity. Based on previous evidence, chrysin exhibited neuroprotective properties, inhibits neuro-inflammation and aids in the prevention of cognitive deterioration. In the present study, the neuroprotective role of chrysin was explored against valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder-like behaviour. The most efficient route of valproic acid administration was determined by testing two alternative techniques were immersion and intraperitoneal injection. The primary behavioural endpoints in autism spectrum disorder are learning, memory and social behaviour were studied via behavioural analysis. The findings imply that intraperitoneal injection is a more reliable method of induction when compared to immersion since the drug's uptake is reported to be uniform in all fish. According to the experimental data, chrysin positively stimulates on zebrafish social behaviour. More research is needed to fully comprehend the neurochemical pathways behind chrysin's effects on valproic acid-induced autism-like behaviour. Finally, our research supports the use of zebrafish models to investigate the neuroprotective benefits of drugs. From our findings, it is proven that chrysin could be used to alleviate valproic acid-induced autism-like behaviour.