Serum Relaxin-3 and Irisin Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparison with Healthy Controls
Özet
Objective: The incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased in recent years. Genetic, biological and environmental factors play a role in its etiopathogenesis. The relationship between ASD and neuropeptides, one of the biological factors, is being increasingly investigated. This study aims to compare serum relaxin-3 and irisin levels of ASD cases with healthy controls. Methods: This prospective case-control study involves a total of 68 children: 38 ASD diagnosed patients as the case group and 30 as the control group. Serum relaxin-3 and irisin levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: Serum relaxin-3 and irisin levels were found to be lower in the case group than in the control group. However, a statistically significant difference between groups was found only for serum irisin levels. The cut-off value for serum irisin level was determined as 3.5 ng/ml. Conclusion: Irisin may play a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. A more extensive series of studies are needed in order to establish the use of this biomarker in the diagnosis and management of ASD.
