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Differential Gender Effects in the Relationship between Perceived Immune Functioning and Autistic Traits

Author

Listed:
  • Marlou Mackus

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Deborah De Kruijff

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Leila S. Otten

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Aletta D. Kraneveld

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Johan Garssen

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Nutricia Research, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Joris C. Verster

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne 3122, Australia)

Abstract

Altered immune functioning has been demonstrated in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study explores the relationship between perceived immune functioning and experiencing ASD traits in healthy young adults. N = 410 students from Utrecht University completed a survey on immune functioning and autistic traits. In addition to a 1-item perceived immune functioning rating, the Immune Function Questionnaire (IFQ) was completed to assess perceived immune functioning. The Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was completed to examine variation in autistic traits, including the domains “social insights and behavior”, “difficulties with change”, “communication”, “phantasy and imagination”, and “detail orientation”. The 1-item perceived immune functioning score did not significantly correlate with the total AQ score. However, a significant negative correlation was found between perceived immune functioning and the AQ subscale “difficulties with change” (r = −0.119, p = 0.019). In women, 1-item perceived immune functioning correlated significantly with the AQ subscales “difficulties with change” (r = −0.149, p = 0.029) and “communication” (r = −0.145, p = 0.032). In men, none of the AQ subscales significantly correlated with 1-item perceived immune functioning. In conclusion, a modest relationship between perceived immune functioning and several autistic traits was found.

Suggested Citation

  • Marlou Mackus & Deborah De Kruijff & Leila S. Otten & Aletta D. Kraneveld & Johan Garssen & Joris C. Verster, 2017. "Differential Gender Effects in the Relationship between Perceived Immune Functioning and Autistic Traits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-6, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:4:p:409-:d:95670
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Donna M. Werling & Neelroop N. Parikshak & Daniel H. Geschwind, 2016. "Gene expression in human brain implicates sexually dimorphic pathways in autism spectrum disorders," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-11, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Aurora J. A. E. Van de Loo & Marlou Mackus & Marith Van Schrojenstein Lantman & Aletta D. Kraneveld & Karel A. Brookhuis & Johan Garssen & Andrew Scholey & Joris C. Verster, 2018. "Susceptibility to Alcohol Hangovers: The Association with Self-Reported Immune Status," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-8, June.
    2. Livia J. F. Wilod Versprille & Aurora J. A. E. van de Loo & Marlou Mackus & Lizanne Arnoldy & Titia A. L. Sulzer & Sterre A. Vermeulen & Smedra Abdulahad & Hendrikje Huls & Ton Baars & Andrew Scholey , 2019. "Development and Validation of the Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-18, November.

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