Plasma levels of alarmin IL-33 are unchanged in autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary study

The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unknown, and the immune system has been appointed to play an important role. The interleukin 33 (IL-33), a member of the IL-1, may act as an alarmin. This study aimed to evaluate plasma levels of IL-33, sST2, and IL-1 beta in 30 patients with ASD in comparison with 18 controls matched by gender, age and maternal age at childbirth. Patients did not differ from controls in IL-33, sST2, and IL-1 beta plasma levels. Alarmin levels were not correlated with age, and neither was influenced by clinical parameters. Our results undermine the role of IL-33/ST2 in ASD. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.