Expression of inflammatory cytokines, Bcl2 and cathepsin D are altered in lymphoblasts of autistic subjects

作者：Malik M; Sheikh A M; Wen G; Spivack W; Brown W T; Li X^*

来源：Immunobiology, 2011, 216(1-2): 80-85.

DOI：10.1016/j.imbio.2010.03.001

• Apoptosis
• Autism
• Bcl2
• Cathepsin D
• Cytokines
• Inflammation

To determine whether inflammation and apoptosis are involved in the pathogenesis of autism, we examined cytokines, Bcl2 expression and cathepsin D protease activity in the lymphoblasts of autistic subjects and age-matched controls. We found increased expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, but decreased Bcl2 expression in lymphoblasts of autistic subjects. We also found that cathepsin D mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in autistic lymphoblasts. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that inflammation and apoptosis may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of autism, and cathepsin D may participate in the regulation of cytokine-induced inflammation and apoptosis in autistic lymphoblasts.