It's an interesting paper for quite a few reasons; not least the continuing voyage of the analytical technique known as mass spectrometry into autism research (see here) and further beyond [2]. Mass spec by the way, represents a rather advanced way of looking at biological samples for potential biomarkers or compounds of interest to specific states or conditions (among other things). Ngounou Weite et al have some research form in this area as per a previous paper titled: 'Mass spectrometry as a tool for studying autism spectrum disorder' [3] which I would encourage you to peruse for some background reading.
Their latest study delves into an interesting analytical medium, saliva, something we all generally have and importantly, something pretty non-invasive when it comes to collecting a sample [4]. "Using nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we found statistically significant differences in several salivary proteins" the authors report, comparing saliva samples from those with autism vs. asymptomatic controls. The sorts of differences detected between the groups - quite small groups (N=6 per) - tended to fall into the domain of 'immune function' as per issues with neutrophil elastase and various antigen binding sites of immunoglobulin. Indeed, the authors conclude: "Our results indicate that this is an effective method for identification of salivary protein biomarkers, support the concept that immune system and gastrointestinal disturbances may be present in individuals with ASDs." I would agree with those sentiments.
Aside from the small participant groups and the fact that all participants were male and many carried some comorbidity (ADHD, epilepsy) alongside their autism label, 4 of the participants with autism were taking some kind of pharmaceutic/nutraceutical compared with none of the controls. As per other biomarker studies of autism, one always needs to be a little mindful of any effects from these factors particularly when looking at functional biofluids. In terms of the mass spec method, it all looks pretty comprehensive including the use of Q-ToF as the detector of choice and pooled group samples run in triplicate to ensure some kind of reproducibility in results. The authors did subject saliva samples to some preparation before analysis as per their focus on peptide content and a "full MS scan [that] covered the m/z range from 400 to 1,350". What this might mean is that some very low molecular weight compounds and indeed, potentially important larger compounds might have escaped their attention. But certainly I'm not going to quibble about this for now.
Of course this is not the first time that saliva has been used as an analytical medium in autism research (see here) outside of just looking at parameters such as cortisol (see here). And I assume it won't be the last either...
Music to close: Jane's Addiction and Stop.
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[1] Ngounou Wetie AG. et al. A Pilot Proteomic Analysis of Salivary Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res. 2015 Jan 27. doi: 10.1002/aur.1450.
[2] Dumas M-E. & Davidovic L. Metabolic Profiling and Phenotyping of Central Nervous System Diseases: Metabolites Bring Insights into Brain Dysfunctions. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 2015. Jan 24.
[3] Wood AG. et al. Mass spectrometry as a tool for studying autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Molecular Psychiatry 2013; 1: 6.
[4] Wormwood KL. et al. Salivary proteomics and biomarkers in neurology and psychiatry. Proteomics Clin Appl. 2015 Jan 29.
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Ngounou Wetie AG, Wormwood KL, Russell S, Ryan JP, Darie CC, & Woods AG (2015). A Pilot Proteomic Analysis of Salivary Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research PMID: 25626423
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