Increased CNTF levels in adults with autism spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a neurotrophin which could signal neuronal suffering and at the same time acts as a neuroprotective agent. In the present study we aimed to evaluate CNTF serum levels in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In fact, considering the role of CNTF as a neuronal damage signal and the role of neuroinflammation, excito-inhibitory imbalance and excitotoxicity in the pathogenesis of ASD, a possible alteration of CNTF in ASD could be hypothesised.

METHODS: We recruited 23 individuals with ASD and intellectual disability (ID), 20 ID subjects and 26 typical adults. A complete medical and psychopathological characterisation of the participants was performed. CNTF serum levels were measured with ELISA.

RESULTS: CNTF serum levels were significantly higher in the ASD+ID group compared to ID (p < 0.001) or typically developed subjects (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: CNTF may be considered as a potential biomarker candidate for ASD in the context of severe ID. Our results support the hypothesis of neurotrophic imbalance in ASD.