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Mycotoxin Exposure and Autism: A Systematic Review of the Molecular Mechanism
Yılmaz Serkan1, Utku Beyazit2, Aynur B Ayhan3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
Background And Objective:
Exposure to mycotoxins may delay and/or negatively influence the development of neurological, gastrointestinal and inflammatory mechanisms in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therefore, there is a need to address the possible links between mycotoxins and the risk and prevalence of ASD to increase the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying these links. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism underpinning mycotoxin exposure and autism.
Methods:
The study was based on a systematic approach, which focused on the possible associations between mycotoxins and ASD in addition to the role of the mycotoxins on the risk and prevalence of ASD. The systematic review included all molecular mechanism studies examining mycotoxin exposure and autism, and was not limited to a specific period of time. A search was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.
Results:
The investigation of the literature revealed that a total number of 11 studies with a specific focus on the molecular mechanism of mycotoxin exposure and autism were published between 2008 and 2019. Out of these studies, 7 were research articles and 4 were review articles. In almost all the articles, possible links between mycotoxins and ASD were revealed.
Conclusion:
The examination of the given studies provided data related to the links between mycotoxins and ASD. However, evidence related to these links needs to be investigated in larger samples, while the effects of separate mycotoxins and their metabolisms should also be examined.
Insights
Mycotoxin exposure may negatively impact neurological development in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms linking mycotoxins and ASD risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Mycotoxin exposure is a potential environmental factor influencing neurodevelopment.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves complex neurological, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory mechanisms.
- Understanding the molecular links between mycotoxins and ASD is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the association between mycotoxin exposure and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- To explore the role of mycotoxins in the risk and prevalence of ASD.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted.
- Searches were performed across major scientific databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
- Included studies focused on the molecular mechanisms of mycotoxin exposure and autism.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies published between 2008 and 2019 investigated the molecular mechanisms of mycotoxin exposure and autism.
- A significant majority of the reviewed articles indicated possible links between mycotoxin exposure and ASD.
- The studies included 7 research articles and 4 review articles.
Conclusions:
- Existing literature suggests a connection between mycotoxin exposure and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Further investigation with larger sample sizes is required to confirm these links.
- Future research should also examine the effects of individual mycotoxins and their metabolic pathways.
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