Serum zonulin level in autistic children and its relation to severity of symptoms a case-control study

Sonbol, H.M., Abdelmawgoud, A.S., El-kady, N.M. et al. Serum zonulin level in autistic children and its relation to severity of symptoms a case-control study. Sci Rep 15, 27802 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11420-0

• Findings: Children with autism had significantly higher serum zonulin levels (avg. 73 ng/ml) vs. neurotypical controls (avg. 22 ng/ml).
• Correlation: Higher zonulin levels were strongly associated with greater symptom severity (r = 0.9).
• Mechanism: Zonulin regulates tight junctions in the intestinal and blood–brain barriers; elevated levels increase permeability (“leaky gut”), promoting systemic and neuroinflammation.
• Relevance to PANS/PANDAS: Similar barrier dysfunction and inflammation may contribute to symptom flares following infections or immune triggers.