Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seen a rise in prevalence, and the immune system's role in brain development is increasingly recognized. This study investigates the relationship between immune dysregulation and ASD by examining serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (CXCL8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in children.
Methods: Serum samples from 45 children with ASD and 30 controls, aged 2 to 12 years, were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence, chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and chemiluminescent immunoassay. ASD symptoms were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).
Results: No significant correlation was observed between CXCL8 levels and ASD. IL-6 levels showed a trend toward elevation in boys with ASD. TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in children with ASD under 5 years compared to older children and controls, though no correlation with symptom severity was found.
Conclusions: TNF-alpha may be a potential biomarker for early ASD detection, especially in younger children. Further research on larger cohorts is needed to understand the role of immune dysregulation in ASD.
Keywords: autism spectrum disorder (ASD); immunological biomarkers; interleukin 6 (IL-6); interleukin 8 (CXCL8); neuroinflammation; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).