Molecular Networks of Redox Dysregulation in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) encompass a continuum of developmental abnormalities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, resulting in persistent neurodevelopmental and structural defects. Accumulating evidence indicates that redox dysregulation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of FASD. Ethanol disrupts cellular redox homeostasis by promoting excessive reactive oxygen species production and depleting endogenous antioxidants, thereby perturbing key redox-sensitive molecular networks. Dysregulation of these pathways leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, lysosome dysfunction, and disrupted cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and migration, while also promoting apoptosis and neuroinflammation, ultimately leading to the developmental abnormalities characteristic of FASD. Recent studies demonstrate that antioxidant supplementation or targeted modulation of redox-sensitive signaling can mitigate these deleterious effects in preclinical models. This review synthesizes current knowledge of the molecular networks underlying redox dysregulation in FASD and discusses emerging antioxidant and dietary interventions with therapeutic potential. Elucidating these mechanisms provides critical insight into the pathogenesis of FASD and may inform the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of FASD.