Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether serum VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α levels differed between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients and healthy controls. A total of 40 children with ASD and 40 healthy controls aged 4–12 years were included. Serum levels of VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Serum IGF-1 levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. Serum HIF-1α levels were borderline significantly lower in the ASD group. There was no statistically significant difference in serum VEGF levels between the two groups. IGF-1 and HIF-1α may play a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of ASD.
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The authors wish to thank the patients who participated in this study. This study adapted from the dissertation of Dr. Fulya Şimşek.
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Funding for this study was provided by a grant from the Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit of Süleyman Demirel University (Project No: TTU-2019-7441).
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FŞ, ÜI, EA, FK, FBŞ, and MB conceived of the study and participated in its design and coordination. FŞ and ÜI made the diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder and checked the suitability of these children for the study. ÜI, EA, FK, and FBŞ supervised the data collection. FŞ and ÜI drafted the manuscript. ÜI, FŞ, and FK performed statistical analysis of data. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Şimşek, F., Işık, Ü., Aktepe, E. et al. Comparison of Serum VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Healthy Controls. J Autism Dev Disord 51, 3564–3574 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04820-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04820-w