Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Autistic Children
Laila Y. AL-Ayadhi
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
Objectives: Measurement of plasma level of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serum myelin basic protein (MBP) auto-antibody level Saudi autistic children.
Method: the study was conducted at the autism research & treatment center, al-amodi autism research chair, king saud university. Between, January to July 2010. Forty six autistic child, age up to 12 years (41 males and 5 females), with confirmed diagnosis according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders, and 3DI (Dimensional, Developmental, Diagnostic Interview) participated in the study. And 53 age matched normal children, were recruited in the study. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and myelin basic protein antibody, were measured by ELIZA method.
Results: Serum levels of BDNF in autistic children expressed as mean ± S.D were significantly lower than those of normal controls (353.2 ± 78 ng/ml) versus (540 ± 57 ng/ml) respectively. Nevertheless, we found no correlations between BDNF levels and clinical variables in autistic patients. On the other hand, myelin basic protein autoantibody serum levels expressed as mean ± S.D in autistic were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those of age-matched healthy controls (590± 27ng/ml) versus (390 ± 35) respectively.
Conclusions: This study suggests that reduced BDNF levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism.
