Abstract
This study evaluates the contribution of peripheral biomarkers to comorbidities and clinical findings in autism. Seventeen autistic children and age-matched typically developing (AMTD), between three to nine years old were evaluated. The diagnostic followed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DMS-IV) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was applied to classify the severity. Cytokine profile was evaluated in plasma using a sandwich type ELISA. Paraclinical events included electroencephalography (EEG) record. Statistical analysis was done to explore significant differences in cytokine profile between autism and AMTD groups and respect clinical and paraclinical parameters. Significant differences were found to IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-12p40, and IL-12p70 cytokines in individuals with autism compared with AMTD (p < 0.05). All autistic patients showed interictalepileptiform activity at EEG, however, only 37.5% suffered epilepsy. There was not a regional focalization of the abnormalities that were detectable with EEG in autistic patients with history of epilepsy. A higher IL-6 level was observed in patients without history of epilepsy with interictalepileptiform activity in the frontal brain region, p < 0.05. In conclusion, peripheral inflammatory markers might be useful as potential biomarkers to predict comorbidities in autism as well as reinforce and aid informed decision-making related to EEG findings in children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders defined by significantly abnormal social interaction, impaired communication and language difficulties, and narrow patterns of interests
Despite the dogma that peripheral immune responses could not affect central nervous system (CNS) function under normal circumstances, substantial evidence over the past 10 years suggests that immune-CNS cross-talk may be the norm rather than the exception
That is why we suggest continuing onwards with this analysis presented here, with impact of ASD on language, and others measures demonstrating sensitivity to factors based on developmental level and chronological age suggested for further consideration in future research in order to exclude from the analysis factors based on developmental level and chronological age with impact on disease severity
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders defined by significantly abnormal social interaction, impaired communication and language difficulties, and narrow patterns of interests. Symptoms appear during infancy or childhood and generally are followed by a steady course without remission. Symptoms gradually begin after the age of six months to become established by age two or three years old and continue through adulthood, generally more attenuated. Changes in cytokine levels have been reported in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with autism, showing brain inflammation [6,7]. Previous reports on autism include findings regarding changes in IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-12 cytokines and differential cellular immune response associated with disease severity and impairment in behaviors in ASD [8,9,10]. Evidence has been provided regarding cytokine’s role in mediating suppression of both FoxP3 (+) and
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
