Decreased transforming growth factor beta1 in autism: A potential link between immune dysregulation and impairment in clinical behavioral outcomes

Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairment in social interactions, communication deficits, and restricted repetitive interests and behaviors. There is evidence of both immune dysregulation and autoimmune phenomena in autism. We examined the regulatory cytokine transform...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuroimmunology 2008-11, Vol.204 (1), p.149-153
Main Authors: Ashwood, Paul, Enstrom, Amanda, Krakowiak, Paula, Hertz-Picciotto, Irva, Hansen, Robin L, Croen, Lisa A, Ozonoff, Sally, Pessah, Isaac N, de Water, Judy Van
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergy and Immunology
Autism
Autistic Disorder - blood
Autistic Disorder - classification
Autistic Disorder - complications
Behavior
Case-Control Studies
Child Behavior Disorders - blood
Child Behavior Disorders - etiology
Child, Preschool
Developmental Disabilities - immunology
Female
Humans
Immune System Diseases - blood
Immune System Diseases - etiology
Immunity
Male
Neurology
Regulation
Transforming growth factor beta1
Transforming Growth Factor beta1 - blood
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Summary:Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairment in social interactions, communication deficits, and restricted repetitive interests and behaviors. There is evidence of both immune dysregulation and autoimmune phenomena in autism. We examined the regulatory cytokine transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) because of its role in controlling immune responses. Plasma levels of active TGFβ1 were evaluated in 75 children with ASD compared with 68 controls. Children with ASD had significantly lower plasma TGFβ1 levels compared with typically developing controls ( p = 0.0017) and compared with children with developmental disabilities other than ASD ( p = 0.0037), after adjusting for age and gender. In addition, there were significant correlations between psychological measures and TGFβ1 levels, such that lower TGFβ1 levels were associated with lower adaptive behaviors and worse behavioral symptoms. The data suggest that immune responses in autism may be inappropriately regulated due to reductions in TGFβ1. Such immune dysregulation may predispose to the development of possible autoimmune responses and/or adverse neuroimmune interactions during critical windows in development.
ISSN:0165-5728
1872-8421
DOI:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.07.006