Bilgiç, AyhanFerahkaya, HursitKaragöz, HülyaKılınç, İbrahimEnergin, Vesile Meltem2023-06-192023-06-1920230803-94881502-4725https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2023.2168055https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14365/4680Aim Increased intestinal and blood-brain barriers (BBB) permeability has been suggested to have a role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Claudin-5, claudin-11, occludin, beta-catenin, vinculin, and paxillin are crucial components of these barriers. This study assessed concentrations of these molecules in preschool children with ASD.Methods A total of 80 children with ASD and 40 controls aged 18-60 months were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of biochemical variables were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Results Serum claudin-11, occludin, and beta-catenin levels were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. However, no significant difference for serum claudin-5, vinculin, and paxillin levels was detected between the groups.Conclusion These findings suggest that claudin-11, occludin, and beta-catenin may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. These proteins may affect the brain by causing dysregulation in intestinal or blood-brain barrier permeability or with other unknown mechanisms.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAutism spectrum disorderclaudinoccludinbeta-cateninvinculinpaxillinZonulin LevelsBloodGenesExpressionBehaviorBarrierArticle10.1080/08039488.2023.21680552-s2.0-85147031096