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| Format: | Recurso digital |
| Language: | English, Old (ca. 450-1100) |
| Published: |
Zenodo
2026
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18886890 |
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Table of Contents:
- <p>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behavioral patterns. Increasing evidence suggests that immune dysregulation and systemic inflammatory alterations play a significant role in the pathophysiology of ASD. Despite extensive research, the heterogeneity of clinical phenotypes remains a major challenge, as individuals diagnosed under the same spectrum may exhibit distinct biological and immunological mechanisms. Therefore, exploring immune and biochemical markers may contribute to clarifying underlying systemic alterations associated with ASD. Objective: This clinical study aimed to evaluate the immunological and selected biochemical status of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Baghdad through the quantitative assessment of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulin levels, and to investigate their potential contribution to immune imbalance associated with neurodevelopmental disturbances. Methods: A case–control clinical study design was implemented involving children diagnosed with ASD and age-matched apparently healthy controls. Serum levels of cytokines including Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-27 (IL-27), Interleukin-37 (IL-37), Interleukin-29 (IL-29), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured using immunoassay techniques. Additionally, humoral immune markers, specifically Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM), were quantified to assess adaptive immune function. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine significant differences between groups and evaluate possible correlations among immunological parameters. Results: The findings demonstrated significant alterations in serum cytokine profiles among children with ASD compared to controls, reflecting a state of immune activation and inflammatory imbalance. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6 and TNF-α, were observed, suggesting the presence of systemic inflammation. Variations in regulatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-27 and IL-37 were also detected, indicating possible compensatory immune mechanisms. Changes in IgG and IgM levels further supported the presence of humoral immune dysregulation. These immunological disturbances may reflect chronic inflammatory processes that influence neurodevelopmental pathways. Conclusion: The present study supports the hypothesis that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder exhibit measurable immune alterations characterized by cytokine imbalance and immunoglobulin variability. These findings reinforce the concept that immune dysfunction contributes to ASD pathophysiology and may represent potential biomarkers for disease monitoring and future therapeutic strategies. Further large-scale investigations integrating biochemical, immunological, and clinical parameters are warranted to better define immune-related endophenotypes within the autism spectrum</p>