Abnormal Saliva Proteins Proposed as Biomarker for Autism

Abnormal proteins in the saliva of patients could eventually be used as a biomarker for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

In a study conducted in Italy, scientists compared the level of phosphorylation of proteins in the saliva of 27 children with ASD to those in a control group without ASD. The phosphorylation level of four specific salivary phospho-peptides, statherin, histatin 1, and acidic proline-rich proteins (both entire and truncated isoforms) was significantly lower in autistic patients, with hypo-phosphorylation of at least one peptide observed in 18 ASD subjects (66.7%).

Professor Massimo Castagnola, at the Università Cattolica (Rome, Italy), and colleagues suggested that the phosphorylation of proteins involved in development of the central nervous system (CNS) in early infancy is involved in ASD. The results of the study suggest that analysis of salivary phospho-peptides might help to discriminate a considerable subgroup of ASD patients and could lead to the molecular basis of this severe developmental disorder.

There is currently no laboratory test available for autism, and scientists have been searching for biomarkers such as abnormal proteins that appear in the body fluids of individuals with autism. This should provide a solution to the problems of accurately diagnosing autism and monitoring its response to potential treatments.

ASD are a group of syndromes with neurodevelopmental impairment characterized by altered social, emotional, and communicative skills, and by stereotyped motor and mental process. The onset of ASD varies but generally occurs within three years from birth. It causes an immense emotional and financial burden on families and is very costly to society.

The study appeared in the January 2, 2009 issue of the American Chemical Society's (ACS) Journal of Proteome Research.

Related Links:
Università Cattolica