Role of hedgehog protein family members in autistic children

BackgroundThe neurological basis for autism is still not fully understood, and the role of the interaction between hedgehog (hh) protein family members, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Indian (Ihh), and Desert (Dhh) biological activities have not been previously undertaken in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).MethodsSerum levels of Shh, Ihh and Dhh were determined in the plasma of 57 Saudi patients, categorized as mild-moderate and severe as indicated by their Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and compared to 27 age- and gender-matched control samples.ResultsThe data indicated that autistic children had higher serum levels of Shh (P = 0.001), Ihh (P = 0.001) and lower level of Dhh (P = 0.003) than those of normal controls. Moreover, serum levels of Shh had significant positive correlations with Dhh (P < 0.002).ConclusionsThis study suggests that higher levels of Shh, Ihh and lower Dhh levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism.