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Serum Levels of S100b, Interleukin-6 and Anti-Transglutaminase Ii IgA as Immune Markers in a Sample of Egyptian Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Shaker NM, Taha GRA, Kholeif H, Sayed NM, El-Sheikh MM and Abulmagd ML

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe neuro-developmental disorder. Various immune components and mediators have been investigated in ASD with controversial results. The purpose of this study was to: 1) investigate the levels of S100B protein (as a marker of neuronal damage), IgA autoantibodies to transglutaminase II (TG2) (as an indicator for presence of autoimmunity) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) (a pro-inflammatory cytokine), in sera of a group of autistic children, 2) explore the relation between serum levels of these parameters and severity of autism, 3) find out if there is any association between serum levels of S100B protein, IL-6 and TG2 IgA which might give clue to their pathogenic role in ASD.

Methods: The levels of S100B protein, IL-6 and TG2 IgA were measured in the sera of 30 autistic children aged from 3 to 14 years. These levels were compared to those of 22 matched healthy children aged from 3 to 13 years. Assessment of clinical parameters and severity of autism was done using Gilliam Autism Rating Scale.

Results: Autistic children showed higher significant serum S100B protein and IL-6 levels compared to healthy controls (P=0.003 and 0.002 respectively). No significant correlations were found between serum levels of S100B, IL-6, TG2 IgA and clinical parameters/severity of autism. Serum levels of S100B had significant negative correlation with TG2 IgA levels (P=0.037) and marginally significant positive correlation with IL-6 levels (P=0.05).

Conclusion: The significant elevations of S100B and IL-6 levels in sera of autistic children possibly imply an underlying neuropathological condition in autistic patients. Anti-TG2 antibodies may not have a possible contributing role in some ASD children. More research is needed to investigate any possible link between serum S100B protein, IL-6 levels and other brain autoantibodies as potential indicators of brain autoimmunity in ASD patients.