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Selective Plasmatic Amino Acid Alterations as a Potential Biomarker for Pathological Stratification in Autism
Andrea De Giacomo1, Nicoletta Lionetti1, Maria Grazia Di Lago1
1Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.
Biomedicines
|January 28, 2026
Summary
This study found higher levels of specific amino acids, including phosphoethanolamine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid, in children with moderate-to-severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These findings suggest potential biomarkers for ASD severity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions with varying severity.
- Current diagnostic criteria (DSM-5) lack reliable biomarkers to differentiate ASD severity levels.
- Identifying biomarkers for ASD severity is crucial for tailored interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma amino acid (AA) levels as potential biomarkers for differentiating ASD severity in children.
- To explore the association between specific amino acids and clinical ASD symptom levels.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of plasma samples from 30 children with ASD, stratified into mild (Level 1) and moderate-to-severe (Levels 2-3) symptom groups.
- Amino acid levels measured using ion-exchange chromatography.
- Statistical comparison using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated plasma levels of phosphoethanolamine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid were found in children with moderate-to-severe ASD compared to those with mild ASD.
- These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
- All measured amino acid values were within normal age-appropriate ranges.
Conclusions:
- Plasma phosphoethanolamine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid show promise as biomarkers for ASD severity in pediatric populations.
- Amino acid profiling may help differentiate ASD severity and identify associated metabolic pathways, including those related to neurotransmission and phospholipid turnover.
- Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings and elucidate the role of amino acids in ASD pathophysiology.
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