Objective: Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling system has been increasingly associated with the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, regulators of this system remain unexamined in patients with ASD. This study aimed to examine serum concentrations of Dkk-1, PORCN, Notum, and Tiki-1 in preschool children with ASD. Methods: A total of 60 children diagnosed with ASD and 50 healthy controls, aged 18 to 60 months, were included in the study. Serum levels of the target molecules were quantified utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Autism severity and behavioral traits were evaluated utilizing the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Behavior Checklist (AuBC). Results: Serum concentrations of Dkk-1 and PORCN were significantly higher in the ASD group relative to controls. However, no significant difference for serum Notum and Tiki-1 levels was detected between the groups. Correlation analyses revealed significant positive associations between serum PORCN, Notum, and Tiki-1 levels and multiple AuBC subscale and total scores. No significant correlations were found between any of the molecules and CARS scores. Conclusion These data indicate that regulators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, notably Dkk-1 and PORCN may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of ASD. This study presents new data confirming the significance of Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulators in ASD and underscores the necessity for further research.

The first extensor compartment of the wrist is a distinctly variable anatomical area. Anatomical variations in this region contribute to the pathophysiology and treatment failure of de Quervain’s disease, which is a kind of tenosynovitis that develops in the first extensor compartment of the wrist. We aim to describe the first extensor compartment morphology, to evaluate the septum frequency, location of the septum, and the number of tendons of abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis muscles (EPB). First extensor compartment of 87 wrists of 45 cadavers were dissected. The presence or absence of septum and number of tendon slips of APL and EPB revealed. The proximal and distal widths of the compartments were measured. Septums were detected in 60.9% (n=53) of the wrists. Incomplete (distal) and complete (proximal) septa were present in 35.6% (n=31) and 25.3% (n=22) of the cases. Only 26.4% of the wrists had a single slip of APL tendon. The Remaining had multiple slips. The median inner width of the proximal and distal compartments in all wrists were calculated as in the order of 9.11±1.14 mm and 8.55±1.12 mm. We believe that understanding the anatomy of the first extensor compartment in the Turkish population would be helpful to surgeons, radiologists, and physiotherapists to diagnose and manage de Quervain’s disease.