CTRP3 as a novel biomarker in the plasma of Saudi children with autism

PeerJ. 2022 Jan 11:10:e12630. doi: 10.7717/peerj.12630. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP3) has diverse functions: anti-inflammation, metabolic regulation, and protection against endothelial dysfunction.

Methods: The plasma level of CTRP3 in autistic patients (n = 32) was compared to that in controls (n = 37) using ELISA.

Results: CTRP3 was higher (24.7% with P < 0.05) in autistic patients than in controls. No association was observed between CTRP3 and the severity of the disorder using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). A positive correlation between CARs and the age of patients was reported. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated a low area under the curve (AUC) for all patients (0.636). Low AUCs were also found in the case of severe patients (0.659) compared to controls, but both values were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Despite the small sample size, we are the first to find an association between CTRP3 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Biomarker; C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein (CTRP3); Childhood autism rating scale; Receiver operating characteristic (ROC).; Receiver operating characteristics (ROC).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder*
  • Biomarkers
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Saudi Arabia / epidemiology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • C1QTNF3 protein, human

Grants and funding

This project was funded by the National Plan for Science Technology and Innovation (MAARIFAH), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, Award number: 08-MED 510–02. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.