Gut Pathogens and Cytokine Profiles in Autism: A Multi-Biosample Analysis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
• Immune dysregulation and gut microbiome alterations are increasingly implicated in ASD pathogenesis.
• Identifying reliable biomarkers for ASD is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate immune, microbial, and gene expression profiles in children with ASD.
• To evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum cytokines as biomarkers for ASD.
• To explore the relationship between microbial dysbiosis and immune alterations in ASD.

Main Methods:

• Serum cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α) were measured using ELISA in 20 children with ASD and 10 controls.
• Gene expression analysis was performed using RT-qPCR on blood and saliva samples.
• Stool samples were analyzed for bacterial composition using 16S rRNA sequencing.
• Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess diagnostic accuracy.

Main Results:

• Children with ASD exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α compared to controls (p < 0.01).
• Serum cytokine levels were strongly intercorrelated, and ROC analysis indicated excellent diagnostic potential.
• Bacterial analysis revealed dysbiosis, with a predominance of Escherichia species in the stool of ASD patients.
• Gene expression patterns in blood mirrored serum cytokine levels, suggesting systemic immune involvement.

Conclusions:

• ASD in this Iraqi cohort is associated with significant pro-inflammatory immune signatures and gut microbial dysbiosis.
• Serum IL-6 and TNF-α demonstrate potential as valuable biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore their utility in clinical settings for targeted interventions.