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Journal of Neuroinflammation
Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research

Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders

Authors: Afaf El-Ansary, Laila Al-Ayadhi

Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Objectives

The neurobiological basis for autism remains poorly understood. However, research suggests that environmentalfactors and neuroinflammation, as well as genetic factors, are contributors. This study aims to test the role that might be played by heat shock protein (HSP)70, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2, Caspase 7 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)in the pathophysiology of autism.

Materials and methods

HSP70, TGF-β2, Caspase 7 and INF-γ as biochemical parameters related to inflammation were determined in plasma of 20 Saudi autistic male patients and compared to 19 age- and gender-matched control samples.

Results

The obtained data recorded that Saudi autistic patients have remarkably higher plasma HSP70, TGF-β2, Caspase 7 and INF-γ compared to age and gender-matched controls. INF-γ recorded the highest (67.8%) while TGF-β recorded the lowest increase (49.04%). Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis together with predictiveness diagrams proved that the measured parameters recorded satisfactory levels of specificity and sensitivity and all could be used as predictive biomarkers.

Conclusion

Alteration of the selected parameters confirm the role of neuroinflammation and apoptosis mechanisms in the etiology of autism together with the possibility of the use of HSP70, TGF-β2, Caspase 7 and INF-γ as predictive biomarkers that could be used to predict safety, efficacy of a specific suggested therapy or natural supplements, thereby providing guidance in selecting it for patients or tailoring its dose.
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Metadata
Title
Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders
Authors
Afaf El-Ansary
Laila Al-Ayadhi
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Neuroinflammation / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1742-2094
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-9-265

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