Evaluation of Serum Interleukins 17A and 22 Levels in Pediatric Patients with Autism

Abstract Background The etiology of autism has emerged as a topic of serious debate in recent years, where autoantibodies may play a role. IL-17A is a key regulator of Autism spectrum disorder development, while interleukin (IL)-22 is a potent mediator of inflammatory responses promoting leukocyte infiltration in the brain. Objective To assess serum levels of IL-17A and IL-22 in children with autism. Methods A cross-sectional study, that was carried out at Child Psychiatric Clinic, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt on autistic children and healthy controls. Results we had 48 subjects, 24 autistic children; 6 females (25%) 18 males (75%) and 24 age and gender matched controls; 9 females (37.5%) 15 males (62.5). The median (IQR) age was 5.25(5 – 8) and 6(5 – 9) years respectively. The median serum levels of IL-17A and IL-22 were significantly higher in autism patients than controls, where serum level of IL-17 was 262.5 (235 – 320) pg/mL in autistic patients versus 35 (25 – 47.5) pg/mL in controls, meanwhile IL-22 in autistic patient was 800 (680 – 975) pg/mL versus 50 (45 – 65) pg/mL in controls (p = <0.001). Conclusion In our cases, a Shaimaa Abdo Elmetwaly Shaimaa Abdo Elmetwaly Shaimaa Abdo Elmetwaly utism was associated with elevated serum levels of IL_17A and IL-22. We can't point out whether it is a cause, an effect or a mere association. Further research is needed for better understanding the role of these cytokines in autism and their potential implications for diagnosis and treatment.