Plasma Cytokines in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Author Information
Author(s): Suzuki Katsuaki, Matsuzaki Hideo, Iwata Keiko, Kameno Yosuke, Shimmura Chie, Kawai Satomi, Yoshihara Yujiro, Wakuda Tomoyasu, Takebayashi Kiyokazu, Takagai Shu, Matsumoto Kaori, Tsuchiya Kenji J., Iwata Yasuhide, Nakamura Kazuhiko, Tsujii Masatsugu, Sugiyama Toshirou, Mori Norio
Primary Institution: Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore immunological markers in peripheral plasma samples from non-medicated subjects with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.
Conclusion
The results suggest that abnormal immune responses as assessed by multiplex analysis of cytokines may serve as one of the biological trait markers for ASD.
Supporting Evidence
- Plasma concentrations of IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-5, IL-8, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-17 and GRO-α were significantly higher in subjects with ASD compared with matched controls.
- None of the analyte plasma levels were correlated with the severity of autistic symptoms.
- The elevations in plasma levels of those analytes were significantly associated with the diagnosis of ASD.
Takeaway
The study found that boys with autism have higher levels of certain immune proteins in their blood compared to boys without autism, which might help us understand autism better.
Methodology
A multiplex assay for cytokines and chemokines was applied to plasma samples from male subjects with high-functioning ASD and matched controls.
Limitations
The small sample size renders the data presented here preliminary, and a larger study with more subjects with ASD will be necessary.
Participant Demographics
Twenty-eight male subjects with ASD and 28 healthy male controls, all Japanese, aged 7 to 15 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003, 0.011, 0.014, 0.033, 0.049, 0.001, 0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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