Cytokine levels and associations with symptom severity in male and female children with autism spectrum disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex, pervasive, and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions with varying trajectories, significant male bias and largely unknown etiology. However, an understanding of the biological mechanisms driving pathophysiology is evolving. Immune system aberrations, as identified through cytokine profiles, are believed to have a role in ASD. Altered cytokine levels may facilitate identification of ASD subtypes as well as provide biological markers of response to effective treatments. Research exploring the relationship between cytokine profiles and ASD symptoms is, however, in its infancy. The objective of this study was to explore relationships between cytokine levels and the severity of ASD and other clinical traits.

Methods

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SUBMITTER: Masi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5712192 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature