Exosomes: New biomarker and therapeutic candidates in autism spectrum disorder research.

Researchers reviewed studies on tiny cell particles called exosomes that might help diagnose autism earlier and develop better treatments. They found that children with autism have different substances in these particles compared to other children, including specific DNA pieces and inflammation markers. Some studies also showed promising results when using exosomes as treatments in autism mouse studies. This research could lead to better ways to identify and help children with autism.

This systematic review examined 15 research articles investigating exosomes as potential biomarkers and therapeutic tools for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exosomes are small vesicles containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that can be studied non-invasively. The review identified potential biomarkers in exosomal contents of ASD patients, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA7S), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), and various RNA types when compared to controls. Additionally, treatment-focused studies demonstrated behavioral improvements in ASD mouse models.

The authors suggest exosome-based research offers promising avenues for early ASD diagnosis and development of personalized therapies, addressing the current lack of reliable biomarkers and effective treatments.

Exosome research represents a promising but early-stage approach to ASD diagnosis and treatment. While biomarker findings suggest potential for non-invasive diagnostic tools, clinical translation requires validation in larger human studies. Treatment applications remain experimental, with evidence limited to animal models requiring human trials before clinical implementation.

Review included only 15 research articles after exclusions. No sample sizes reported for individual studies. Limited information provided about study methodologies and quality assessment. Treatment studies were primarily conducted in animal models rather than humans.

There is no recognised cure or specific biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exosomes are small vesicles that carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. They have been investigated for diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. As the conclusions were on the biological utility of exosomes as a non-invasive brain biopsy, some animal, human and in vitro exosome studies have also been presented in the ASD field.

The purpose of this review is to compile the studies that have established a relationship between ASD and exosomes so far and discuss their potential for linking the gap between the laboratory and clinic. In this systematic review, 31 PubMed articles were identified using the keywords ‘exosomal’, ‘exosome and ‘autism spectrum disorder’. After excluding 16 reviews, 4 irrelevant studies and 1 preprint, and adding 5 relevant articles, 15 research articles were included based on PRISMA criteria. The articles were investigated and reviewed by both authors.

Their methodology and results are also discussed according to two main streams in studies. Numerous studies have identified potential biomarkers, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA7S), cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, and different types of RNAs by comparing the exosomal contents of ASD patients or models with controls. In studies that focused on treatment, behavioural improvements were shown in ASD model mice. Since there are presently no reliable biomarkers or effective treatments for ASD, exosome-based research offers a promising avenue for early diagnosis and the creation of tailored therapies.