Evaluation of antineuronal antibodies and 8-OHdG in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a case-control study

Objective The purpose of our study was to investigated the anti-Yo, anti-Hu, anti-Ri, anti-amphiphysin antibody levels and 8-OHdG in mothers of children with autism. Methods This study included 60 participants, 33 of whom were healthy mothers of 3-12-year-old children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the 27 others who constituted the control group, were healthy mothers with age-matched healthy children. Two groups were examined for plasma anti-Yo, anti-Hu, anti-amphiphysin and anti-Ri antibodies and, 8-OHdG levels. The participants were asked to accomplish a sociodemographic data form. The severity of ASD symptoms was evaluated according to the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Results Anti-amphiphysin antibody levels and anti-Ri antibody positivity were significantly higher in the case group (p = 0.001; p = 0.027, respectively). The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of anti-Yo and anti-Hu antibody levels and in terms of 8-OHdG levels (p = 0.065; p = 0.099; p = 0.490, respectively). The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of sociodemographic data (p > 0.05). Conclusions According to the our study, maternal antineuronal antibodies, such as anti-amphiphysin and anti-Ri, may contribute to the risk of childhood autism. Studies with larger samples are needed.

Automated summary

The study revealed that mothers of children with autism have higher levels of anti-amphiphysin and anti-Ri antibodies, which may contribute to the risk of childhood autism. More studies with larger samples are needed for further investigation.