Identification of an age-dependent biomarker signature in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions with symptoms manifesting before the age of 3, generally persisting throughout life and affecting social development and communication. Here, we have investigated changes in protein biomarkers in blood during childhood and adolescent development.MethodsWe carried out a multiplex immunoassay profiling analysis of serum samples from 37 individuals with a diagnosis of ASD and their matched, non-affected siblings, aged between 4 and 18 years, to identify molecular pathways affected over the course of ASDs.ResultsThis analysis revealed age-dependent differences in the levels of 12 proteins involved in inflammation, growth and hormonal signaling.ConclusionsThese deviations in age-related molecular trajectories provide further insight into the progression and pathophysiology of the disorder and, if replicated, may contribute to better classification of ASD individuals, as well as to improved treatment and prognosis. The results also underline the importance of stratifying and analyzing samples by age, especially in ASD and potentially other developmental disorders.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in childhood

“…6,9,10,17 There have been controversies in regard to which role BDNF plays in the etiology of autism and whether the BDNF has any influence. Thus, some studies show higher level of BDNF among autistic patients compared to controls, 10,17e19 whereas others demonstrate reduced BDNF in ASD patients 12,14,20,22 or no differences at all. 11,21 The reason for these discrepancies is unclear but could be related to differences in clinical characteristics such as age and gender distribution between the studies, but also sampling differences.…”

Depletion of stercobilin in fecal matter from a mouse model of autism spectrum disorders

“…While a GUT for ASD etiology may be unrealistic due to the heterogeneity in causation and severity, the search for potential biomarkers with a focus on metabolites has gained considerable momentum in the past decade (Adamo et al 2014; Altieri et al 2011; Dager et al 2015; Dieme et al 2015; Durieux et al 2016; Faber et al 2009; Gabriele et al 2014; Goldenthal et al 2015; Gorrindo et al 2013; Herbert et al 2006; Jyonouchi et al 2008; Masi et al 2017; Ming et al 2012; Ming et al 2005; Pastural et al 2009; Ramsey et al 2013; Rudolph et al 2013; Woods et al 2015; James et al 2004; Frye et al 2013; Ngounou Wetie et al 2015). Expanding the search to identify potential subgroups within ASD has been of interest.…”

Autism spectrum disorders: neurotrophins enter the dance

“…In another study (28), subjects were recruited from a hospital in the Netherlands -37 ASD patients [age around 10 years; body mass index (BMI) = 18.0 ± 3.7 kg/m 2 ] and 37 controls (age around 10 years; BMI = 17.6 ± 3.0 kg/m 2 ). It has been noted that there were not any age-related changes in the serum levels of BDNF as in other studies (27).…”