Serum levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and Nogo-A in children with autism spectrum disorders

Biomarkers. 2016 Nov;21(7):614-8. doi: 10.3109/1354750X.2016.1171901. Epub 2016 Apr 21.

Abstract

Context: Improved biomarkers would facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Objective: Our objective was to examine the levels of Nogo-A and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in children with ASD.

Materials and methods: Serum concentrations of GFAP and Nogo-A were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: In this preliminary study, we found that serum Nogo-A was not found significantly different between groups, while serum levels of GFAP were significantly lower in ASD than controls.

Discussion and conclusions: It will be of great interest to determine other potential causes of elevated serum levels of GFAP, and whether this elevation has any phenotypic effect.

Keywords: Autism; ELISA; GFAP; Nogo-A.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / blood*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / blood*
  • Humans
  • Nogo Proteins / blood*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • Nogo Proteins