Plasma levels of alarmin IL-33 are unchanged in autism spectrum disorder: a preliminary study

J Neuroimmunol. 2015 Jan 15:278:69-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.11.021. Epub 2014 Nov 26.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unknown, and the immune system has been appointed to play an important role. The interleukin 33 (IL-33), a member of the IL-1, may act as an alarmin. This study aimed to evaluate plasma levels of IL-33, sST2, and IL-1β in 30 patients with ASD in comparison with 18 controls matched by gender, age and maternal age at childbirth. Patients did not differ from controls in IL-33, sST2, and IL-1β plasma levels. Alarmin levels were not correlated with age, and neither was influenced by clinical parameters. Our results undermine the role of IL-33/ST2 in ASD.

Keywords: Autism; Cytokines; IL-1β; IL-33; sST2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / blood*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein
  • Interleukin-1beta / blood
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins / blood*
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / blood
  • Statistics, Nonparametric

Substances

  • IL1RL1 protein, human
  • IL33 protein, human
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface