TITLE:
Deciphering the Risk Factors of Autism: Are We There Yet?
AUTHORS:
Rasheeba Nizam, Suad Al Fadhli
KEYWORDS:
Autism, Risk, Gut-Brain Axis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.4 No.10,
October
21,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Autism represents a group of developmental disorder
that pose a major challenge to world-wide societies and healthcare providers with limited diagnostics
and medical cure. It is widely been considered as a mental disorder
characterized by speech deficit and repetitive behavior. The presumed etiology
of autism involves genetic, immunologic, intestinal and synaptic
irregularities, aside from environmental toxicities. Yet, the prospective
factor that triggers or predominates autism remains barely understood. Objective: Herein we aim to review the literature to identify
the risk factors associated with the development of autism and the need to
investigate the underlying pathological events. Results: Genetic factors have been widely investigated in
autism for its role in inflammation, neuronal function, metabolism and
detoxification. It’s assumed to be negatively impacted by heavy metals,
allergens, infectious agents and environmental pollutants. Considering the fact
that, these elements individually does not make up autism, one would expect a
complex interplay of neuro inflammatory and gastrointestinal system in the
pathophysiology of the disease. Gut-brain axis may serve as a potential
pathological link representing the plethora of mechanistic events involved in
the development of autism. Abnormal activation of mast and neuro glial cells
may lead to deregulated expression of cytokines and neuroactive compounds,
which may disrupt the blood brain barrier permeability leading to inflammation.
Alternatively it may also interfere with intestinal permeability, gut
physiology, microbial composition and related metabolites. Conclusion: A glance through the literature indicates the
likelihood of genetic variations and environmental factors in triggering a
cascade of inflammatory events leading to the development of autism. Though relatively
little information is known regarding the factors that initiate the onset and
the progression of the disease; the
rising prevalence of autism across the globe alarms us towards a better
know-how of the disease and the shortfalls in disease treatment and management.