The possible link between the elevated serum levels of neurokinin A and anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies in children with autism

Background: neurogenic inflammation is orchestrated by a large number of neuropeptides. tachykinins (substance p,neurokinin a and neurokinin b) are pro-inflammatory neuropeptides that may play an important role in some autoimmune neuroinflammatory diseases. autoimmunity may have a role in the pathogenesis of autism in some patients. we are the first to measure serum neurokinin a levels in autistic children. the relationship between serum levels of neurokinin a and anti-ribosomal p protein antibodies was also studied.methods: serum neurokinin a and anti-ribosomal p protein antibodies were measured in 70 autistic children in comparison to 48 healthy-matched children.results: autistic children had significantly higher serum neurokinin a levels than healthy controls (p < 0.001). children with severe autism had significantly higher serum neurokinin a levels than patients with mild to moderate autism (p < 0.001). increased serum levels of neurokinin a and anti-ribosomal p protein antibodies were found in 57.1% and 44.3%,respectively of autistic children. there was significant positive correlations between serum levels of neurokinin a and anti-ribosomal p protein antibodies (p = 0.004).conclusions: serum neurokinin a levels were elevated in some autistic children and they were significantly correlated to the severity of autism and to serum levels of anti-ribosomal p protein antibodies. however,this is an initial report that warrants further research to determine the pathogenic role of neurokinin a and its possible link to autoimmunity in autism. the therapeutic role of tachykinin receptor antagonists,a potential new class of anti-inflammatory medications,should also be studied in autism. © 2011 mostafa and al-ayadhi; licensee biomed central ltd.