Circulating levels of BDNF, 5-HT and KYN pathway metabolites are associated with psychotic symptoms in adults with ASD

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent translational and clinical research emphasise the concept of interacting neurochemical disruptions as a ground for the development of psychosis. At the same time, literature highlighted neurostructural and functional alterations in ASD. However, evidence linking biochemical markers to psychotic symptoms in the context of ASD is still scarce. In this perspective, we aim to investigate biochemical correlations and predictive biological factors of psychotic symptoms in autism, also considering gender differences. METHODS: For this study, we recruited a total of 22 ASD adult patients assessed through the Psychotic Spectrum - Self-Report version (PSY-SR). Furthermore, a blood sample was drawn in order to perform biochemical evaluations. All biochemical parameters were detected with an ELISA kit. RESULTS: considering gender differences, male patients showed higher micromolar HCy levels.Spearman correlation analyses revealed significant correlations between PSY total and single domains and biochemical correlates such as TRP metabolites, plasmic 5-HT and BDNF. Finally, linear regression analyses, revealed specific patterns of negative and positive biochemical predictors (particularly those with the kynurenine pathway) for psychotic symptoms in ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Globally, our work highlighted that, in ASD adults, psychotic symptoms may be associated with specific biochemical alterations, in particular linked to the kynurenine pathway, BDNF and 5-HT.