Comparison of serum IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP1-6 concentration in the children with different stages of autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition considered by early-onset difficulties in social communication. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) play crucial roles in synapse formation. Most of circulating IGFs are bound to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) that modify IGF action. IGFBPs prolong the plasma half-life of IGFs. In this project we studied the association of IGF1/2 and IGFBP1-6 serum concentration with the severity of ASD (Levels 1-3; Mild, Moderate and severe, respectively).A hundred and eighty patients with ASD (Mild; n=69, Moderate; n=58 and Severe; n=53) and 118 controls age matched were used in this project and IGF1/2 and IGFBP1-6 serum concentration were measured by ELISA.The results demonstrated that IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP1-6 were present in all serum samples. The results showed that the concentration of IGF1 and IGF2 was significantly higher in ASD patients when compared to controls, starting from stages I to III ASD, a significant increase of IGF1 and IGF2 serum concentration was observed. Results obtained also showed that IGFBP1-6 concentration in the ASD group were lower when compared to controls and low serum IGFBP1-6 concentration is associated with advanced stages of ASD.IGFs plays important role in synapse formation and changes in IGFs expression may be important in the pathogenesis of ASD.It is suggested that IGFs and IGFBPs may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Therefore, the detection of serum soluble IGFs and IGFBPs may be useful in classifying ASD.