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Autism

Research Identifies Key Biomarkers for Autism Diagnosis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study conducted by researchers at Al-Nahrain University has revealed significant findings on the pathoetiology of autism. The research, published in Research Results in Pharmacology, aimed to quantify the serum levels of various nitrogen metabolites, including visfatin, sirtuin 1, apelin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in autistic patients compared to normal participants. The study involved 30 patients with autism and 25 normal participants, and the results showed high prominent elevations in serum levels of visfatin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, gamma aminobutyric acid, and glutamate in autistic patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research identified visfatin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, gamma aminobutyric acid, and glutamate as key biomarkers for autism diagnosis.
  • The study involved 30 patients with autism and 25 normal participants, with a mean age of 13 (4) years and 14 (3) years, respectively.
  • The blood levels of various nitrogen metabolites were analyzed in all participants using different techniques according to the manufacturer.
  • The statistical analysis of the data showed high significant elevations in serum levels of visfatin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, gamma aminobutyric acid, and glutamate in autistic patients.
  • The researchers concluded that the abnormal serum levels of these nitrogen metabolites, cytokines, and sirtuin 1 may contribute to the pathoetiology of autism.
  • The study suggests that these findings may be important for identifying new treatment approaches for autism.
  • The research was conducted by Feryal Rada and her team at Al-Nahrain University's College of Pharmacy.
  • The study was published in Research Results in Pharmacology, a journal published by Belgorod National Research University.

Statistics:

  • 30 patients with autism participated in the study with a mean age of 13 (4) years.
  • 25 normal participants were involved in the study with a mean age of 14 (3) years.
  • High significant elevations were noted in serum levels of visfatin (P=0.006), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P=0.001), gamma aminobutyric acid (P=0.002), and glutamate (P=0.001) in autistic patients.
  • High appreciable reductions were noted in serum levels of glutamine (P=0.003) in autistic patients.

Sources:

  • Research Results in Pharmacology, "Role of visfatin, sirtuin 1 and apelin in patients with autism disorder," 2025,11(3):44-51, published by Belgorod National Research University.
  • NewsRx, "Al-Nahrain University Researcher Describes Findings in Autism (Role of visfatin, sirtuin 1 and apelin in patients with autism disorder)," Mental Health Weekly Digest, October 20, 2025; p 97.

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