A-138 Investigation of Potential Involvement of The Adrenal Cortex In The Pathogenesis of Autism In Prepubertal Male Jordanian Children

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The investigation of adrenal steroids and testosterone levels in male autistic children will, undoubtedly, help to elucidate the pathogenetic implication of these hormones in the development of autism and their role as risk factors. The objective of this case-control study is to explore the potential involvement of adrenal steroids in the pathogenesis of autism. Method: Serum levels of total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in 32 Jordanian autistic male patients and in 32 healthy age-matched children. Independent t-test was used to investigate statistical significance in study groups with a (p) value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Preliminary univariate logistic regression was used to assess which of the measured lab parameters should be included in the final regression models. Multivariable logistic regression (backward stepwise selection) was used in autism risk prediction. Results: TT had a positive strong correlation with DHEA (r=+62, p≤0.001), suggesting an adrenal source of the elevated androgens. The Likelihood of developing autism was increased by 1.03 times for an increase in one ng/dl of DHEA, by 0.92 times for an increase by one nmol/l of SHBG and by only 0.04 times for an increase in one mIU/ml of FSH. Conclusions: The demonstrated positive strong correlation between TT and DHEA in pre-pubertal male autistic children further substantiates the potential involvement of the adrenal cortex in the pathogenesis of autism. Further studies are needed to elucidate their role in the prediction and development of autism.