Is There the Role of Endocrine Disruptors in Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Abstract

The maintenance of human health and generation depends on the perfect functioning of hormones and similar signal carrier substances, which are vital for metabolism, growth-development, mental functions, immune system and reproduction. Infants and young children are more sensitive to contaminants in food than adults. Exposure to endocrine disruptors in infancy and early childhood is important for the development of childhood diseases. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects both the individual with the disorder and his or her entire family, and has a life-long and often destructive effect. The factors that cause ASD are not definitively known, but there are findings that it is genetically based. Environmental factors may also lead to ASD. Especially, bisphenol A (BPA), lead and mercury exposure have been reported to be associated with increased risk of ASD. Impairment of the GABAergic signal, which has an important role in the production of neural networks, and thyroid hormone function is considered as possible mechanisms for the observed relationships. A large number of research has been carried out on the effects of both genetic and environmental factors. In recent studies, pregnant women's body fluids (urine, serum) endocrine disruptive substance content and the prenatal body load of chemicals measured and the effects of these on children and their relationship to ASD are examined. Although there are studies on the relationship of endocrine disruptors with ASD, more studies are needed on this subject. In this review, it was aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between ASD and endocrine disruptors according to current study results.

Keywords

• endocrine disruptors
• autism spectrum disorder
• endogenous hormones