Therapeutic Efficacy of a Synthetic Brain-Targeted H 2 S Donor Cross-Linked Nanomicelle in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rats through Aerobic Glycolysis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by cognitive inflexibility and social deficits, with a notably limited range of brain-targeted medications, particularly in the field of nanomedicine. Herein, we introduce the brain-targeted H S donor cross-linked nanomicelle, named mannose-PEG600-lipoic acid (Man-LA). Man-LA demonstrates enhanced stability and precise brain delivery by interacting with glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in astrocytes, facilitating a gradual release of H S that is modulated by glutathione (GSH). , studies suggest that Man-LA alleviates symptoms of ASD, correlating with increased expression of aerobic glycolysis enzymes, elevated lactate production, and higher H S levels, while preventing damage to hippocampal neurons. , Man-LA tightly binds to aldehyde dehydrogenase family 3 member B1 ( in astrocytes, upregulating its expression. This interaction promotes aerobic glycolysis and enhances lactate production. These findings suggest a connection between ASD deficits and the dysregulation of astrocytic aerobic glycolysis, underscoring the role of H S. Identifying the gene within aerobic glycolysis pathways provides a promising target for ASD treatment.