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Immunological Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of TNF-Alpha and Dependent Trends in Serum IL-6 and
Catalina Mihaela Anastasescu1, Veronica Gheorman2, Eugen-Cristi Stoicanescu3
1Mental Health Center for Children, Neuropsychiatry Hospital of Craiova, 200187 Craiova, Romania.
Background:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seen a rise in prevalence, and the immune system's role in brain development is increasingly recognized. This study investigates the relationship between immune dysregulation and ASD by examining serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (CXCL8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in children.
Methods:
Serum samples from 45 children with ASD and 30 controls, aged 2 to 12 years, were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence, chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and chemiluminescent immunoassay. ASD symptoms were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).
Results:
No significant correlation was observed between CXCL8 levels and ASD. IL-6 levels showed a trend toward elevation in boys with ASD. TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in children with ASD under 5 years compared to older children and controls, though no correlation with symptom severity was found.
Conclusions:
TNF-alpha may be a potential biomarker for early ASD detection, especially in younger children. Further research on larger cohorts is needed to understand the role of immune dysregulation in ASD.
