Salivary Oxytocin and Socio-Emotional Functioning in Children and Adolescents With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract

Aim: Given that alterations in oxytocinergic and immune systems have been implicated in the social and emotional difficulties of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the associations between these biological factors and internal psychological constructs remain unclear, we examined the relationship between salivary oxytocin (OT) levels, inflammatory markers (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-6, IL-8), self-esteem, and perceived social support in children and adolescents with and without ASD.

Methods: 26 children and adolescents with ASD and 23 typically developing (TD) controls were included. Salivary OT and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent and multiplex immunoassays.

Results: Salivary oxytocin levels were significantly lower in the ASD group than in the TD group after adjusting for age. In contrast, no significant group differences were observed in inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, or IL-8). However, across participants, including those with ASD, higher OT levels were associated with greater self-esteem and perceived social support. These findings suggest that oxytocin-related socio-emotional processes may be associated with socio-emotional functioning across children and adolescents, including those with ASD. Participants with higher OT levels were associated with greater self-esteem and perceived social support. Among the inflammatory markers, none of the cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, or IL-8) showed significant associations with the psychological measures, including AQ-J total scores.

Conclusion: OT levels may be associated with socio-emotional functioning and psychological well-being across children and adolescents with and without ASD, regardless of diagnostic status. In contrast, no significant associations were observed between inflammatory markers and psychological measures in the present sample.