Inflammatory and autoimmune markers of autism spectrum disorders in children

The aim of the study was quantitative identification of inflammatory and autoimmune markers - activity of leukocyte elastase (LE) and a1-proteinase inhibitor (α1 -PI), the serum level of autoantibodies to S-100b and MBP in patients with autism spectrum disorders in association with specificities of their clinical state for potential use as additional differential-diagnostic instrument in the clinical examination of patients. Material and methods. The clinical examination of patients (135 children with various ASD forms) was carried out with use of psychometric scales (CARS, BFCRS, CGI-S). LE and α1 -PI activities were identified by spectrophotometric method, the level of autoantibodies to S-100b and MBP was measured by means of immune-enzyme assay. Complex evaluation of the state of immune system was also conducted, taking into consideration corporative interactions of innate and adaptive immunity in the course of immune activation. Results. Non-psychotic ASD forms (Asperger's syndrome and Kanner's syndrome) were not accompanied by the change in the studied immunological indices in comparison with healthy controls. In psychotic ASD forms reliable increase in activity/level of the studied indices was revealed. Correlations between complex evaluation of the immune system activation and stage of the disease (exacerbation, or remission) (r=0.49, р