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Published on: October 17, 2025
[S100B protein in the blood of children with autism spectrum disorders]
T F Golubova1, La Tsukurova1, L L Korsunskaya2
1Research Institute of Children's Balneology, Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Yevpatoria, Russia.
Insights
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have higher S100B protein levels, indicating neuroprotection stress. Elevated S100B in ASD children with brain anomalies suggests hypoxia and blood-brain barrier damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
- S100B protein is a biomarker associated with central nervous system damage and neuroinflammation.
- Previous research suggests potential alterations in S100B levels in individuals with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasma levels of S100B protein in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- To compare S100B levels between children with ASD and a healthy control group.
- To explore the correlation between S100B levels and the severity of ASD, as well as the presence of brain structure anomalies.
Main Methods:
- The study included 45 children diagnosed with autism (ICD-10, F84) aged 6-15 years.
- A control group comprised 25 healthy children.
- Methods involved specialist examinations, the Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and serum S100B level analysis.
Main Results:
- Children with ASD exhibited significantly higher plasma S100B levels compared to the control group.
- Elevated S100B levels were observed in ASD children with abnormal brain structures (identified via MRI) compared to controls and ASD children without such anomalies.
- S100B levels were notably higher in children with severe ASD and also differed from controls in those with moderate ASD.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that most children with ASD experience stress on their neuroprotective mechanisms.
- Children with ASD and structural brain anomalies show indicators of brain hypoxia and blood-brain barrier damage.
- S100B protein may serve as a potential biomarker for neurodevelopmental alterations and central nervous system stress in pediatric ASD.
Aim:
To evaluate the plasma content of S100B protein in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Material And Methods:
Forty-five children with autism (item F84 of ICD-10), aged from 6 to 15 years, were examined. The control group (KG) consisted of 25 healthy children. The study included examination by specialists, an assessment of the severity of the disease using the Children's Rating Scale of Autism scale (CARS), evaluation of S100B in blood serum.
Results:
The content of S100B in children with autism was significantly higher in comparison with KG. The level of S100B in children with ASD with abnormal development of brain structures (MRI) was significantly higher compared with KG and a group of children without signs of disturbance of brain structures. S100B levels were higher in children with severe ASD, and differed from controls in children with moderate ASD.
Conclusion:
The majority of children with ASD show signs of stress of neuroprotective mechanisms, and children with anomalies of brain structures have signs of hypoxia of the brain and damage of the blood-brain barrier.
