Changes in Adipokine Lewels in Autism Spectrum Disorders

摘要

Background and Objective:The etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is largely unknown, but it seems to involve dysfunction in several biological systems. Among many possible biological pathways, the immune system has emerged as potentially involved. Recent studies have shown association between cytokines (molecules that mediate immune cell interaction) and ASD. Adipokines are cytokines secreted mainly by adipose tissue and may have systemic effects. The main objective of this study was to compare the plasma levels of three adipokines between patients with ASD and healthy controls. Another aim was to correlate the levels of these adipokines and the severity of autistic symptoms as measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Methods: We collected plasma from 30 patients and 19 controls and measured the levels of adiponectin, leptin and re-sistin using a commercially available kit. We also used the SRS as a tool to assess the severity of autistic symptoms. Results: We found decreased levels of resistin, increased levels of leptin and unaltered levels of adiponectin in plasma from ASD subjects in comparison with controls.