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Lipid mediators in plasma of autism spectrum disorders

Afaf El-Ansary1, Laila Al-Ayadhi

  • 1Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. elansary@ksu.edu.sa

Lipids in Health and Disease
|November 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Inflammation markers, including Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), leukotrienes, and isoprostanes, are significantly elevated in autistic individuals. These findings suggest their potential as predictive biomarkers for autism, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Inflammation plays a crucial role in both normal and abnormal brain development.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is linked to cerebellar pathology and has complex genetic and environmental origins.
  • Early-life inflammation is a recognized environmental risk factor for ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the levels of specific lipid mediators and oxidative stress markers in individuals with autism.
  • To explore the potential role of inflammation and autoimmunity in the etiology of autism.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers in Saudi Arabian autistic patients.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma samples from 20 male autistic patients and 19 age/gender-matched controls were analyzed.
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to measure Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cysteinyl leukotrienes, and 8-isoprostane.
  • 8-isoprostane was quantified as a marker of oxidative stress.

Main Results:

  • Significantly elevated levels of PGE2, leukotrienes, and isoprostanes were observed in autistic individuals compared to controls.
  • The study discussed the implications of these elevated markers in the context of inflammation and autoimmunity in autism.
  • Elevated levels suggest a potential link between these biological processes and the development of autism.

Conclusions:

  • Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated satisfactory Area Under the Curve (AUC) values.
  • The altered levels of PGE2, leukotrienes, and isoprostanes demonstrate high specificity and sensitivity.
  • These biomarkers show promise for predicting autism in patients from Saudi Arabia.
Abstract

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