Association between plasma levels of transforming growth factor-β1, IL-23 and IL-17 and the severity of autism in Egyptian children

It has been recently shown that dysregulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), IL-23 and IL-17 has been identified as a major factor involved in autoimmune disorders. Based on the increasing evidence of immune dysfunction in autism the aim of this study was to measure serum levels of TGF-β 1, IL-23 and IL-17 in relation to the degree of the severity of autism. Serum TGF-β1, IL-23 and IL-17 were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay technique in 50 autistic children aged 6–12 years, in comparison to 50 developmental disabilities and 50 typically developing-matched children. The severity of autism was assessed by using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. We found that TGF-β1 and IL-23 levels were significantly decreased in the plasma of children with ASD in comparison to control groups (P < 0.0001 for both) with no significant difference in IL-17 levels. There was no correlation between IL-23 and TGF-β1 with IL-17 in children with ASD. There was a negative correlation between TGF-β1, IL-23 and IL-17 with the severity of autism (P < 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.005 respectively). Our results support the findings that immune dysfunction may occur in some children with autism.

► This study estimated plasma levels of TGF-β1, IL-23 and IL-17 in Egyptian children with ASD. ► We found plasma levels of TGF-beta1, IL-23, and IL-17 were negatively correlated with severity of autistic symptoms. ► Immune dysfunction may occur in some children with autism.