A lack of association between elevated serum levels of S100B protein and autoimmunity in autistic children

Abstract

BackgroundS100B is a calcium-binding protein that is produced primarily by astrocytes. Increased serum S100B protein levels reflect neurological damage. Autoimmunity may have a role in the pathogenesis of autism in some patients. Autoantibodies may cross the blood-brain barrier and combine with brain tissue antigens, forming immune complexes and resulting in neurological damage. We are the first to investigate the relationship between serum levels of S100B protein, a marker of neuronal damage, and antiribosomal P protein antibodies in autistic children.MethodsSerum S100B protein and antiribosomal P antibodies were measured in 64 autistic children in comparison to 46 matched healthy children.ResultsAutistic children had significantly higher serum S100B protein levels than healthy controls (P < 0.001). Children with severe autism had significantly higher serum S100B protein than patients with mild to moderate autism (P = 0.01). Increased serum levels of antiribosomal P antibodies were found in 40.6% of autistic children. There were no significant correlations between serum levels of S100B protein and antiribosomal P antibodies (P = 0.29).ConclusionsS100B protein levels were elevated in autistic children and significantly correlated to autistic severity. This may indicate the presence of an underlying neuropathological condition in autistic patients. Antiribosomal P antibodies may not be a possible contributing factor to the elevated serum levels of S100B protein in some autistic children. However, further research is warranted to investigate the possible link between serum S100B protein levels and other autoantibodies, which are possible indicators of autoimmunity to central nervous system in autism.

Increased production of IL-17 in children with autism spectrum disorders and co-morbid asthma

“…While the authors studied serum levels rather than activated cell supernatants, these findings are in line with those in the current report (Al-Ayadhi and Mostafa, 2012). In the noted study and others published by the Al-Ayadhi group, the subject population studied was enriched for children with autoimmune conditions with the majority having autoantibodies to various antigens (Mostafa et al, 2014).…”

“…However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the levels of IL-17 in children with ASD, which is likely due to the differences in methodology, study sample size, or study design such as population-based studies compared to specialist clinic-based studies. Some reports indicated increased serum levels of IL-17 in individuals with ASD (Al-Ayadhi and Mostafa, 2012; Suzuki et al, 2011), while other studies indicated no statistically significant differences in levels of IL-17 in plasma or serum (Enstrom et al, 2008; Jyonouchi et al, 2012; Onore et al, 2009). One study also described no difference in production of IL-17; however, there was a trend involving increased frequency of IL-17 that produced specific Th17 cells in children with ASD when compared to age-matched controls (Onore et al, 2009).…”

A possible association between elevated serum levels of brain-specific auto-antibodies and reduced plasma levels of docosahexaenoic acid in autistic children

“…Larger sample size studies are still required to better analyze the treatment potential of these agents (Prior and Galduróz, 2012). Brain-specific auto-antibodies were detected in the sera of many autistic children (Singh et al, 1998;Vojdani et al, 2002;Singh and Rivas, 2004;Mostafa et al, 2008;Mostafa and Al-Ayadhi, 2011;Al-Ayadhi and Mostafa, 2012;Al-Ayadhi, 2012, 2013). In this work, increased serum levels of anti-MBP auto-antibodies were found in 75% of autistic patients.…”

“…Autoimmunity to central nervous system is the commonest of these abnormalities (Cohly and Panja, 2005;Enstrom et al, 2009). Brain-specific auto-antibodies were detected in the sera of many autistic children (Singh et al, 1998;Vojdani et al, 2002;Singh and Rivas, 2004;Mostafa et al, 2008;Mostafa and Al-Ayadhi, 2011;Al-Ayadhi and Mostafa, 2012;Al-Ayadhi, 2012, 2013). In addition, autoimmune disorders are increased in families of some children with autism (Comi et al, 1999;Sweeten et al, 2003;Atladóttir et al, 2009;Mostafa and Kitchener, 2009;Mostafa and Shehab, 2010;Mostafa et al, 2010aMostafa et al, , 2010bMostafa et al, , 2014.…”

Vitamin D Defi ciency and Psychotic Features in Mentally Ill Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…It is characterized by impairments in social orientation, communication, and repetitive behaviors [3,4]. In addition to behavioural impairment, ASD is associated with high prevalence of autoimmune disease [5,6], gastrointestinal disease and dysbiosis [7], and mental retardation [8].…”