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CTRP3 as a novel biomarker in the plasma of Saudi children with autism
Manan Alhakbany1, Laila Al-Ayadhi1,2, Afaf El-Ansary2,3,4
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP3) levels were elevated in autistic patients compared to controls. This study is the first to suggest a potential association between CTRP3 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP3) exhibits anti-inflammatory, metabolic regulatory, and endothelial protective functions.
- CTRP3 is implicated in various physiological processes, making its role in neurological conditions a subject of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma CTRP3 levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- To determine if CTRP3 levels differ between individuals with ASD and neurotypical controls.
Main Methods:
- Plasma CTRP3 levels were quantified using ELISA in 32 autistic patients and 37 controls.
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to assess ASD severity.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic potential.
Main Results:
- Plasma CTRP3 levels were significantly higher (24.7%, P < 0.05) in autistic patients compared to controls.
- No correlation was found between CTRP3 levels and ASD severity (CARS).
- ROC analysis indicated a low area under the curve (AUC = 0.636 for all patients, 0.659 for severe patients), suggesting limited diagnostic value despite statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to report an association between elevated CTRP3 levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- While CTRP3 levels are higher in ASD, their diagnostic utility appears limited based on ROC analysis.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to elucidate the role of CTRP3 in ASD pathogenesis.
Background:
C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP3) has diverse functions: anti-inflammation, metabolic regulation, and protection against endothelial dysfunction.
Methods:
The plasma level of CTRP3 in autistic patients (n = 32) was compared to that in controls (n = 37) using ELISA.
Results:
CTRP3 was higher (24.7% with P < 0.05) in autistic patients than in controls. No association was observed between CTRP3 and the severity of the disorder using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). A positive correlation between CARs and the age of patients was reported. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated a low area under the curve (AUC) for all patients (0.636). Low AUCs were also found in the case of severe patients (0.659) compared to controls, but both values were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Despite the small sample size, we are the first to find an association between CTRP3 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
