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01-11-2013 | Original Article

Altered Cytokine and BDNF Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors: S. Ricci, R. Businaro, F. Ippoliti, V. R. Lo Vasco, F. Massoni, E. Onofri, G. M. Troili, V. Pontecorvi, M. Morelli, M. Rapp Ricciardi, T. Archer

Published in: Neurotoxicity Research | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

The contribution of neuroimmune functioning and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to functional dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder was assessed in 29 patients under treatment in two specialized centers of Basilicata (Chiaromonte and Matera), Southern Italy, through analysis of serum levels of cytokines and BDNF. Elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, including interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-12, interleukin-23, tumor necrosis factor-α and BDNF were observed, regardless of age and gender. Comparisons were made with age- and gender-related healthy controls. The present findings reinforce current notions regarding immunoexcitotoxic mechanisms contributing to the pathophysiology of autistic disorder.

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Title: Altered Cytokine and BDNF Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: S. Ricci
R. Businaro
F. Ippoliti
V. R. Lo Vasco
F. Massoni
E. Onofri
G. M. Troili
V. Pontecorvi
M. Morelli
M. Rapp Ricciardi
T. Archer
Publication date: 01-11-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Neurotoxicity Research / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1029-8428
Electronic ISSN: 1476-3524
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-013-9393-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Altered Cytokine and BDNF Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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