Maternal circulating cytokine and chemokine levels during pregnancy and risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Md Ashik Imran, Md Rashadul Islam, Craig Robert Wright et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether maternal blood cytokine and chemokine levels during pregnancy were associated with autism in offspring, drawing on seven human observational studies. Random-effects analyses found nominal associations for several mediators: IL-10, CXCL10, IL-1α and IL-5 had odds ratios above 1, while IL-17A had an odds ratio below 1. Supporting concentration analyses indicated higher IL-6 and lower IL-1β in autism-associated pregnancies. The authors concluded that maternal immune profiles may differ, but the evidence does not establish a single robust cytokine biomarker.
Key findings
- OR-based analyses found associations for IL-10 (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06-1.69) and CXCL10 (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.24-2.11).
- Associations were also reported for IL-1α (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.23-1.65), IL-5 (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.18-1.89), and IL-17A (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.94).
- Supportive concentration analyses indicated higher IL-6 and lower IL-1β in pregnancies associated with autism; heterogeneity was substantial for IL-10 and CCL4.
Why it matters
The findings support continued investigation of gestational immune activity as a possible correlate of offspring neurodevelopment, while underscoring that results vary across mediators and studies. The absence of a robust single biomarker limits the current value of these measures for identifying autism risk and highlights the need for better harmonised, prospective evidence.
What to keep in mind
Only seven observational studies met eligibility criteria, and heterogeneity was substantial for IL-10 and CCL4. The evidence does not establish a robust cytokine biomarker.