Serotonin Levels and Autoimmunity in Autistic Children
Author Information
Author(s): Mostafa Gehan Ahmed, AL-Ayadhi Laila Yousef
Primary Institution: Autism Research and Treatment Center, AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between hyperserotonemia and the increased frequency of serum anti-myelin basic protein auto-antibodies in autistic children?
Conclusion
Hyperserotonemia may not be one of the contributing factors to the increased frequency of serum anti-MBP auto-antibodies in some autistic children.
Supporting Evidence
- Autistic children had significantly higher serum levels of serotonin and anti-MBP auto-antibodies than healthy children.
- Increased serum levels of serotonin and anti-MBP auto-antibodies were found in 92% and 80% of autistic patients, respectively.
- Patients with severe autism had significantly higher serum serotonin levels than children with mild to moderate autism.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether high serotonin levels in autistic children are linked to certain antibodies in their blood. It found that high serotonin levels don't seem to cause more of these antibodies.
Methodology
Serum levels of serotonin and anti-MBP auto-antibodies were measured in 50 autistic patients and 30 healthy controls using ELISA.
Limitations
The study's findings should be treated with caution until further investigations are performed.
Participant Demographics
The autistic group comprised 41 males and 9 females, aged between 5 and 12 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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