Serum Zonulin, Claudin-5, junction Adhesion Molecule-A, Occludin and Tricellulin levels in children with autism spectrum disorder


Eroğlu H., IŞIK Ü., BÜYÜKBAYRAM H. İ., Arıcan H. M.

International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, vol.71, no.7, pp.1022-1029, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 71 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/20473869.2023.2298563
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.1022-1029
  • Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, Claudin-5, junction Adhesion Molecule-A, Occludin, Tricellulin, Zonulin
  • Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in serum Zonulin, Occludin, Claudin-5, Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A), Tricellulin levels between individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and healthy controls. Method: A total of 40 children with ASD and 40 controls aged 2-12 years were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of biochemical variables were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Autism Behavior Checklist and Aberrant Behavior Checklist were applied to determine the severity of autistic symptoms. Results: Serum Zonulin, Occludin, Claudin-5, Tricellulin and JAM-A levels did not differ between the study and control groups. There was no relationship between the severity of ASD symptoms and biochemical parameters. Discussion: Although the findings of the study suggest that the permeability of the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) is not effective in the etiology of ASD, there is a need for new studies addressing the limitations of our study in a larger and heterogeneous sample in order to generalize the findings.