Possible biomarkers for autism discovered

Research led by Linnaeus University has taken an important step towards developing a rapid, inexpensive diagnostic tool for autism. Through advanced mass spectrometry, the researchers captured promising biomarkers from a tiny blood sample. To identify potential biomarkers (peptides or proteins), the researchers performed a detailed protein analysis of blood plasma from children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with a control group. Using advanced mass spectrometric methods, they succeeded in identifying peptides consisting of fragments of an immune system protein. The study is based on blood samples from a relatively limited group of children, but the results indicate the potential for this strategy. The hope is that this new set of biomarkers will lead to a reliable blood-based diagnostic tool.