Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Autistic Children In Central Saudi Arabia

Autism is a neurodevelopmental behavioral disorder with unknown etiology characterized by impairment of social contact and communication, restricted and repetitive interest and behaviors. The aim of the current study is to explore possible role of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serum myelin basic protein (MBP) auto-antibody in autism spectrum disorders. The study was conducted at the autism research & treatment center and Al-amodi autism research chair, king Saud University. Forty six autistic children, age up to 12 years (41 males and 5 females), with confirmed diagnosis according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders, and 3DI (Dimensional, Developmental, Diagnostic Interview) participated in the study. And 53 age matched normal children, were recruited in the study. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and myelin basic protein antibody, were measured by ELIZA method. Results showed that Serum levels of BDNF in autistic children expressed as mean ± S.D were significantly lower than those of normal controls (353.2 ± 78 ng/ml) versus (540 ± 57 ng/ml) respectively. Nevertheless, we found no correlations between BDNF levels and clinical variables in autistic patients. On the other hand, myelin basic protein autoantibody serum levels expressed as mean ± S.D in autistic were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those of agematched healthy controls (590± 27ng/ml) versus (390 ± 35) respectively. This study suggests a highly possible pathophysiological role played by BDNF and MBP in autism spectrum disorders.