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Autism in 2016: the need for answers
1IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Bologna, Italy; University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bologna, Italy.
Jornal De Pediatria
|November 13, 2016
Summary
Environmental factors like air pollution and pesticides show a growing association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Further research is needed to confirm causality and identify vulnerable populations for prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Genetics and Epigenetics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition impacting social functioning and self-sufficiency.
- Its etiopathogenesis involves intricate interactions between genetic and environmental factors.
- Increasing ASD prevalence highlights the need to investigate environmental influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on environmental factors implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiopathogenesis.
- To discuss the potential role of various environmental exposures in ASD development.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted in PubMed focusing on environmental factors and non-syndromic ASD.
- Key areas investigated included air pollutants, pesticides, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, electromagnetic pollution, vaccinations, and diet.
Main Results:
- Evidence increasingly links air pollutants, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals to elevated ASD risk.
- The causal relationship requires further investigation.
- Epigenetic mechanisms are highlighted as crucial in how environmental factors influence ASD in genetically susceptible individuals.
Conclusions:
- Future research should explore the correlation between pollution levels and ASD prevalence globally.
- Identifying vulnerable populations is essential for targeted prevention of ASD.
- Understanding gene-environment interactions is key to ASD etiopathogenesis research.
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