Decreased serum levels of adiponectin in subjects with autism.

Authors :: Fujita-Shimizu A
Suzuki K
Nakamura K
Miyachi T
Matsuzaki H
Kajizuka M
Shinmura C
Iwata Y
Suda S
Tsuchiya KJ
Matsumoto K
Sugihara G
Iwata K
Yamamoto S
Tsujii M
Sugiyama T
Takei N
Mori N
Source :: Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry [Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry] 2010 Apr 16; Vol. 34 (3), pp. 455-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Jan 13.
Publication Year :: 2010
Abstract: The neurobiological basis for autism remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that adipokines, such as adiponectin, may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism. In this study, we examined whether serum levels of adiponectin are altered in subjects with autism. We measured serum levels of adiponectin in male subjects with autism (n=31) and age-matched healthy male subjects (n=31). The serum levels of adiponectin in the subjects with autism were significantly lower than that of normal control subjects. The serum adiponectin levels in the subjects with autism were negatively correlated with their domain A scores in the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, which reflects their impairments in social interaction. This study suggests that decreased levels of serum adiponectin might be implicated in the pathophysiology of autism.<br /> (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)