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Increased serum lysozyme activity in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract:

Recent studies have suggested that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be caused by immunological factors, particularly, abnormalities in the innate immune system. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a critical role in host defense against infection and in the resolution of inflammation, hence lysozyme plays an important role in the innate immune system. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro phagocytic and lysozyme activity in individuals with ASD, by biochemical and immunological techniques. Results indicate that there are no qualitative or quantitative differences in the in vitro phagocytic activity between ASD and typical development (TD) subjects. The ability to reduce Nitro Blue Tetrazolium by PMNs was compared and there were no significant differences between groups. The percentage of yeasts eliminated by phagocytosis at 20 minutes of exposure to PMNs, was lower in ASD children compared to TD children; however, no significant differences were observed between the percentages of cells eliminated after 5 and 20 minutes of treatment in both populations (p>0.05). Serum lysozyme basal levels were greater in children with ASD probably due to a compensatory state because of the immunological deregulation reported for this neurodevelopmental disorder.