The Significance of Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: In Search of Potential Blood Biomarkers

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by a number of dysfunctions in communication, social interactions and repetitive rigid patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Despite much research, the causes of ASD remain elusive. In addition to genetic and epigenetic etiology, scientists have indicated inflammation, deregulation of cytokines, anti-brain autoantibodies, gut microbiota, and deregulated immunity as mechanisms possibly involved in the development of ASD phenotype. The aim of the study was to analyze the levels of IgA, IgE, and IgM immunoglobulins in the blood serum in patients with ASD to find out whether certain blood parameters are deregulated in that group of patients. The results suggest altered production of the immune cells in ASD patients which may be considered in the assessment of immune functions. Also, PCT% and LYMPH elevated values in patients with ASD might be of clinical relevance, possibly of predictive value for clinical preliminary diagnosis and therapy.