Neonatal Levels of Acute Phase Proteins and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder

BackgroundImmune signaling pathways influence neurodevelopment and are hypothesized to contribute the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aimed assess risk ASD in relation levels neonatal acute phase proteins (APPs), key components innate immune function, measured dried blood spots.MethodsWe included 924 cases, 1092 unaffected population-based controls, 203 siblings cases this case-control study nested within register-based Stockholm Youth Cohort. Concentrations 9 different APPs were eluates from spots using a bead-based multiplex assay.ResultsNeonatal C-reactive protein was consistently associated with odds comparisons, higher highest quintile compared middle (odds ratio [OR] = 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–2.04) adjusted analyses. In contrast, lowest quintiles ?-2-macroglobulin (OR 3.71, CI 1.21–11.33), ferritin 4.20, 1.40–12.65), serum amyloid P 3.05, 1.16–8.01) matched sibling comparison. Neonatal varied perinatal environmental factors maternal/fetal phenotypes. Significant interactions terms for observed between maternal infection during late pregnancy, anemia, psychiatric history.ConclusionsIndicators response ASD, although nature these associations varies considerably environment genetic background comparison group.