Salivary MicroRNA Reflects Neurodevelopment and Oral Health Traits in Children With Autism

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Genetics

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with unclear links to oral health.
• Current diagnostic tools for ASD lack sensitivity and non-invasiveness.
• Investigating salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) may reveal biomarkers for ASD and associated oral health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify differentially expressed salivary miRNAs in children with ASD compared to healthy controls.
• To explore the association between these miRNA profiles and oral health status, including dental caries and periodontal health.
• To assess the potential of salivary miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for ASD.

Main Methods:

• Small RNA sequencing of unstimulated saliva from children with ASD and controls.
• Identification and functional annotation of differentially expressed miRNAs.
• Assessment of oral health using dmft/DMFT and periodontal indices, followed by correlation analysis with miRNA expression.

Main Results:

• 125 salivary miRNAs were differentially expressed between ASD and control groups.
• ASD-associated miRNAs were linked to neurodevelopmental, immune, and inflammatory pathways.
• Children with ASD showed significantly higher caries burden (dmft/DMFT) and poorer periodontal health.
• Specific miRNAs (e.g., hsa-miR-145-5p, hsa-miR-200a-5p) were identified as potential biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• Children with ASD possess a distinct salivary miRNA signature associated with increased oral disease susceptibility.
• Salivary miRNAs represent a promising non-invasive biomarker platform for early ASD identification.
• These findings support the development of individualized preventive dental strategies and interdisciplinary management for children with ASD.