Proteomic Biomarker Tests in Blood Samples from Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Behavioral testing is the gold standard for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These tests, including ADOS and ADI-R, are subjective, require trained staff to administer, are time-consuming, and can only be administered at a later age. Blood-, urine- or stool-based diagnostic biomarker test for ASD would enable objective early diagnosis, potentially even before clinical symptoms are present, eliminate the need for trained staff and enable early intervention. Such a test would not only conserve money and time but would also provide clues to ASD pathogenesis.

To date, no definitive treatment exists for ASD. Most therapies are symptom-focused, generally focusing on behavioral, social and communication skills. Recent works have reported on promising outcomes of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment of children with ASD. MSCs are multipotent, non-hematopoietic, easily isolatable and expandable stem cells involved in tissue repair, immunomodulatory responses and neuromodulation. MSC treatment of children with ASD has reportedly led to improvements in speech, sociability, eye coordination, balance, cognition and overall well-being. At the base of this approach lies the known plasticity of the human brain and immune system in the early childhood years and the ability of MSCs to modulate atypical inflammatory and immune activities. Assessment of ASD biomarker profiles in children with ASD who have undergone one or more SCT sessions may shed light on the mechanism of action, assist in better defining ASD-specific diagnostic markers and monitor treatment outcomes.