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Journal of Neuroinflammation
Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

The possible link between the elevated serum levels of neurokinin A and anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies in children with autism

Authors: Gehan A Mostafa, Laila Y AL-Ayadhi

Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Neurogenic inflammation is orchestrated by a large number of neuropeptides. Tachykinins (substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B) are pro-inflammatory neuropeptides that may play an important role in some autoimmune neuroinflammatory diseases. Autoimmunity may have a role in the pathogenesis of autism in some patients. We are the first to measure serum neurokinin A levels in autistic children. The relationship between serum levels of neurokinin A and anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies was also studied.

Methods

Serum neurokinin A and anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies were measured in 70 autistic children in comparison to 48 healthy-matched children.

Results

Autistic children had significantly higher serum neurokinin A levels than healthy controls (P < 0.001). Children with severe autism had significantly higher serum neurokinin A levels than patients with mild to moderate autism (P < 0.001). Increased serum levels of neurokinin A and anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies were found in 57.1% and 44.3%, respectively of autistic children. There was significant positive correlations between serum levels of neurokinin A and anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Serum neurokinin A levels were elevated in some autistic children and they were significantly correlated to the severity of autism and to serum levels of anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies. However, this is an initial report that warrants further research to determine the pathogenic role of neurokinin A and its possible link to autoimmunity in autism. The therapeutic role of tachykinin receptor antagonists, a potential new class of anti-inflammatory medications, should also be studied in autism.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The possible link between the elevated serum levels of neurokinin A and anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies in children with autism
Authors
Gehan A Mostafa
Laila Y AL-Ayadhi
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Neuroinflammation / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1742-2094
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-8-180

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