Plasma level of transforming growth factor β 1 in children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by pervasive abnormalities in social interaction and communication, and repetitive and restricted behavioral patterns and interests. ASD include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specific and childhood disintegrative disorders.ObjectivesTo detect plasma level of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβl) in children with ASD and to find out correlation between the plasma level of TGFβ1 and severity of ASD.Patients and methodsOur study included 30 patients with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosed on the basis of criteria of autistic spectrum disorders as defined in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition text revised (DSM-IV) (TR). They were 26 males and 4 females, their ages ranged from 3 years to 13 years. Thirty apparently healthy sex and age matched children served as controls (22 males and 8 females). They were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination and severity rating using Child Autistic Rating Scale of Children (CARS) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition text revised (DSM-IV) (TR).ResultsOur study revealed: (a) sex distribution among the patient group with male/female ratio 6.5:1; (b) mean value of maternal age was significantly higher among patients than controls; (c) about 50% of patients had a history of prenatal complication; (d) the patient group shows lower plasma level of TGFβ1 compared to the control group.ConclusionThere may be an important role for the immune system in autism spectrum disorders that may have profound implications for diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. A negative correlation was found between severities of ASD and TGFβ1 plasma level.