Comparison of HMGB1, RAGE, TLR4, and NF-κB levels in children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder with healthy controls

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Kıyat E., Aktepe E., Kumbul D., Bedir M., Ertürk E., Işık Ü.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, sa.0, ss.1, 2024 (SSCI, Scopus)

Özet

Introduction: The objective of our study is to clarify the involvement of the HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-kB axis,

a crucial component in inflammation, in the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method: We analyzed the levels of HMGB1, RAGE, TLR4, and NF-kB in serum from 80 children (40 with

ASD and 40 controls). All participants’ sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. In order to

determine the severity of the disorder, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and

Autism Behavior Checklist were administered to the ASD group.

Result: While the soluble TLR4 level was significantly higher in the ASD group (p<0.001), other parameters

examined did not show significant differences between groups. Furthermore, soluble TLR4 serum level was

positively correlated with Problem Behavior Checklist hyperactivity subscale scores (p¼0.031), and RAGE

serum level was negatively correlated with ABC Stereotype score (p¼0.001).

Discussion: It was thought that serum TLR4 levels may be important in the etiology of ASD. TLR4 levels are

linked to symptoms like hyperactivity in autism, which suggests that this parameter could be used as a

clinical guide. Further research is required to substantiate our discoveries and to clarify the involvement of

HMGB1, RAGE, TLR4, and NF-kB in the etiopathogenesis of ASD