New Autism Blood Biomarker

According to a study by the UT Southwestern Medical Center, researchers have found a new blood biomarker that may aid in earlier diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Identifying a biomarker is especially key for ASD since early intervention is important to the best treatment of the disease that affects about 1 in 70 children.

“Numerous investigators have long sought a biomarker for ASD,” said one researcher. “The blood biomarker reported here along with others we are testing can represent a useful test with over 80 percent accuracy in identifying ASD.”

The researchers looked for antibodies in the blood related to ASD. They found boys with ASD had significantly reduced levels of a serum IgG1 antibody. Investigating further, researchers analyzed 25 peptoid compounds that bound to IgG1 and zeroed in on one – ASD1 – that was 66 percent accurate in diagnosing ASD. When combined with thyroid stimulating hormone level measurements, the ASD1-binding biomarker was 73 percent accurate at diagnosis.

More testing needs to be conducted, but this could prove vital to those with ASD.

Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.