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Plasma levels of glial cell marker S100B in children with autism
A Tomova1, P Keményová, D Filčíková
1Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. aleksandra.tomova@fmed.uniba.sk.
Insights
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show elevated S100B protein levels, potentially indicating glial cell involvement. This biomarker
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with rising incidence.
- Emerging evidence implicates glial cells in ASD pathophysiology.
- S100B, a calcium-binding protein primarily from astrocytes, serves as a marker for astrocytic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma S100B concentrations in children with ASD.
- To explore the relationship between S100B levels and ASD behavioral symptoms.
- To examine potential correlations between S100B and other biomarkers like serotonin and calprotectin.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of plasma S100B levels in children with and without ASD.
- Assessment of ASD behavioral symptoms using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).
- Correlation analysis of plasma S100B with urine serotonin and stool calprotectin concentrations.
Main Results:
- Children with ASD exhibited significantly higher plasma S100B concentrations compared to controls.
- No significant association was found between plasma S100B levels and ASD behavioral symptom severity.
- Plasma S100B levels correlated positively with urine serotonin and stool calprotectin concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma S100B may serve as a potential biomarker for neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD.
- Findings suggest the involvement of both central (astrocytes) and enteric glial cells in ASD pathogenesis.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the precise role of S100B in the underlying mechanisms of autism.
Abstract:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with increasing incidence. Recent evidences suggest glial cells involvement in autism pathophysiology. S100B is a calcium binding protein, mainly found in astrocytes and therefore used as a marker of their activity. In our study, children with autism had higher plasma concentrations of S100B compared to non-autistic controls. No association of S100B plasma levels with behavioral symptoms (ADI-R and ADOS-2 scales) was found. Plasma S100B concentration significantly correlated with urine serotonin, suggesting their interconnection. Correlation of plasma S100B levels with stool calprotectin concentrations was found, suggesting not only brain astrocytes, but also enteric glial cells may take part in autism pathogenesis. Based on our findings, S100B seems to have a potential to be used as a biomarker of human neurodevelopmental disorders, but more investigations are needed to clarify its exact role in pathomechanism of autism.
