Microglia mediated neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder
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Xiaoli Liao1, Jiaxin Yang1, Huaqin Wang2
1Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Background:
Although the precise pathophysiologies underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not yet been fully clarified, growing evidence supports the involvement of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of this disorder, with microglia being particular relevance in the pathophysiologic processes.
Objective:
The present review aimed to systematically characterize existing literature regarding the role of microglia mediated neuroinflammation in the etiology of ASD.
Methods:
A systematic search was conducted for records indexed within Pubmed, EMBASE, or Web of Science to identify potentially eligible publications. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two authors, and the discrepancies in each step were settled through discussions.
Results:
A total of 14 studies comprising 1007 subjects met the eligibility criteria for this review, including 8 immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies, 5 genetic analysis studies, and 1 positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Although small in quantity, the included studies collectively pointed to a role of microglia mediated neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of ASD.
Conclusion:
Findings generated from this review consistently supported the involvement of neuroinflammation in the development of ASD, confirmed by the activation of microglia in different brain regions, involving increased cell number or cell density, morphological alterations, and phenotypic shifts.
Insights
Neuroinflammation involving microglia plays a key role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development. This review confirms microglia activation in ASD brains, highlighting their importance in the disorder's pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology is not fully understood.
- Emerging evidence implicates neuroinflammation in ASD pathogenesis.
- Microglia are central to these neuroinflammatory processes in ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and characterize the literature on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in ASD etiology.
- To consolidate current understanding of microglia's role in the development of autism spectrum disorder.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science).
- Eligibility screening and data extraction performed by two independent reviewers.
- Discrepancies resolved through discussion.
Main Results:
- 14 studies (1007 subjects) met inclusion criteria.
- Studies included immunohistochemistry, genetic analysis, and PET imaging.
- Evidence collectively supports microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in ASD pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Findings consistently support neuroinflammation's involvement in ASD development.
- Microglial activation observed in various brain regions of individuals with ASD.
- Observed changes include increased cell numbers, altered morphology, and phenotypic shifts.
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