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Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology May 2021The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a prevalent and heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental diseases representing a severe burden to affected individuals... (Review)
Review
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a prevalent and heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental diseases representing a severe burden to affected individuals and their caretakers. Despite substantial improvement towards understanding of ASD etiology and pathogenesis, as well as increased social awareness and more intensive research, no effective drugs have been successfully developed to resolve the main and most cumbersome ASD symptoms. Hence, finding better treatments, which may act as "disease-modifying" agents, and novel biomarkers for earlier ASD diagnosis and disease stage determination are needed. Diverse mutations of core components and consequent malfunctions of several cell signaling pathways have already been found in ASD by a series of experimental platforms, including genetic associations analyses and studies utilizing pre-clinical animal models and patient samples. These signaling cascades govern a broad range of neurological features such as neuronal development, neurotransmission, metabolism, and homeostasis, as well as immune regulation and inflammation. Here, we review the current knowledge on signaling pathways which are commonly disrupted in ASD and autism-related conditions. As such, we further propose ways to translate these findings into the development of genetic and biochemical clinical tests for early autism detection. Moreover, we highlight some putative druggable targets along these pathways, which, upon further research efforts, may evolve into novel therapeutic interventions for certain ASD conditions. Lastly, we also refer to the crosstalk among these major signaling cascades as well as their putative implications in therapeutics. Based on this collective information, we believe that a timely and accurate modulation of these prominent pathways may shape the neurodevelopment and neuro-immune regulation of homeostatic patterns and, hopefully, rescue some (if not all) ASD phenotypes.
Topics: Animals; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Cell Survival; Cytokines; Humans; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 32468442
DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00882-7 -
JAMA May 2024
Topics: Child; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; United States
PubMed: 38662400
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.3041 -
Revista Espanola de Sanidad... 2023Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intolerance of change, empathy deficits, misunders- tandings, and emotional dysregulation. Core symptoms can...
INTRODUCTION
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intolerance of change, empathy deficits, misunders- tandings, and emotional dysregulation. Core symptoms can determine criminal behaviour and subsequent interactions with the penal system. A significant presence of such symptoms is detected in forensic settings. The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of autism within the prison context, summarizing and updating the knowledge in this field.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
Systematic review through databases on studies that analyze the socio-demographic, clinical, and judi- cial characteristics of prisoners diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
RESULTS
Autistic traits constitute an independent risk factor for incarceration. Those inmates with autism spectrum disorder frequently present a psychiatric comorbidity, especially substance use disorder, psychotic disorders, and other neuro-develop- mental disorders. They are associated with a greater probability of self-harming thoughts and disruptive behaviours, which are not predicted by the usual evaluation tools.
DISCUSSION
Prisoners with autism spectrum disorder have a differential socio-demographic, clinical, and criminal profile. A specific approach that is different from the one provided for neurotypical prisoners should be offered to these inmates. In- frastructures should be adapted to reduce fragility, make the environment more flexible and specific methods for evaluation and treatment should be developed.
Topics: Humans; Prisons; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Prisoners; Psychotic Disorders; Autistic Disorder
PubMed: 37335535
DOI: 10.18176/resp.00064 -
Development, Growth & Differentiation Oct 2023Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common, heritable neuropsychiatric disorders in the world, affecting almost 1% of the population. The core symptoms... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common, heritable neuropsychiatric disorders in the world, affecting almost 1% of the population. The core symptoms used to diagnose ASD are decreased social interaction and increased repetitive behaviors. Despite the large number of affected individuals, the precise mechanisms that cause this disorder remain unclear. The identification of genes and environmental factors associated with ASD allows the study of the underlying mechanisms in animal models. Although ASD presents as a human disorder, based on recent advances in understanding their brain anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolutionary conservation of neuronal cell types, I propose that zebrafish may provide novel insights into the etiology.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Autistic Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Zebrafish; Disease Models, Animal; Brain
PubMed: 37623916
DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12888 -
Zoological Research Nov 2021Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically characterized by common deficits in social skills and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. It is widely accepted that genetic... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically characterized by common deficits in social skills and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. It is widely accepted that genetic and environmental factors solely or in combination cause ASD. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanism is unclear due to its highly heterogeneous nature. To better understand the pathogenesis of ASD, various animal models have been generated, which can be generally divided into genetic, environment-induced, and idiopathic animal models. In this review, we summarize the common animals used for ASD study and then discuss the applications, clinical insights, as well as challenges and prospects of current ASD animal models.
Topics: Animals; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Disease Models, Animal; Humans
PubMed: 34755500
DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.251 -
Pediatrics Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Gender Dysphoria; Gender Identity; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 37395081
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061813 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2024Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) belongs to the group of neurodevelopmental disorders, and has a high prevalence, affecting 1 in 100 children according to data from the... (Review)
Review
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) belongs to the group of neurodevelopmental disorders, and has a high prevalence, affecting 1 in 100 children according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). To be diagnosed with ASD, the child must have persistent deficits in communication and social interactions, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of ASD is still uncertain, with multifactorial characteristics, including those associated with the gestational period, where maternal exposure to biological, chemical, or physical hazards occurs, some of which have already been proposed as causes of ASD outcomes. Since pregnancy requires a balance between the maternal-fetal binomial, the breakdown of this balance caused by such environmental hazards can lead to altered fetal neurodevelopment, including ASD. With this firmly in mind, this review aims to compile the most recent data on the gestational causes that may be associated with the development of ASD to help health professionals identify risk factors and act for the prevention and management of ASD.
Topics: Child; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Risk Factors; Maternal Exposure; Causality; Neurodevelopmental Disorders
PubMed: 38541246
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030244 -
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Brain Areas Involved, Neurobiological Mechanisms, Diagnoses and Therapies.International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting over 2% of the pre-school children population, includes an important fraction of the conditions accounting for the... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting over 2% of the pre-school children population, includes an important fraction of the conditions accounting for the heterogeneity of autism. The disease was discovered 75 years ago, and the present review, based on critical evaluations of the recognized ASD studies from the beginning of 1990, has been further developed by the comparative analyses of the research and clinical reports, which have grown progressively in recent years up to late 2023. The tools necessary for the identification of the ASD disease and its related clinical pathologies are genetic and epigenetic mutations affected by the specific interaction with transcription factors and chromatin remodeling processes occurring within specific complexes of brain neurons. Most often, the ensuing effects induce the inhibition/excitation of synaptic structures sustained primarily, at dendritic fibers, by alterations of flat and spine response sites. These effects are relevant because synapses, established by specific interactions of neurons with glial cells, operate as early and key targets of ASD. The pathology of children is often suspected by parents and communities and then confirmed by ensuing experiences. The final diagnoses of children and mature patients are then completed by the combination of neuropsychological (cognitive) tests and electro-/magneto-encephalography studies developed in specialized centers. ASD comorbidities, induced by processes such as anxieties, depressions, hyperactivities, and sleep defects, interact with and reinforce other brain diseases, especially schizophrenia. Advanced therapies, prescribed to children and adult patients for the control of ASD symptoms and disease, are based on the combination of well-known brain drugs with classical tools of neurologic and psychiatric practice. Overall, this review reports and discusses the advanced knowledge about the biological and medical properties of ASD.
Topics: Humans; Child, Preschool; Child; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Brain; Brain Diseases; Neurons
PubMed: 38397100
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042423 -
The Nursing Clinics of North America Sep 2022Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication and the presence of... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behavior. Individuals with ASD, particularly those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, are at higher risk of certain health conditions and mortality over the lifespan. Disparities in timing of diagnosis, access to services, and quality of care have a significant impact on the trajectory of individuals on the autism spectrum. Health care providers and law enforcement officers often interact with individuals with ASD and need adequate preparation to provide person-centered care to this vulnerable population.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Ethnicity; Humans; Racial Groups
PubMed: 35985735
DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2022.04.014 -
Pediatrics Apr 2022
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; COVID-19; Humans
PubMed: 35363281
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-049437O