0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Reproductive & Development Sign in to save

Autism Spectrum Disorder as a Multifactorial Disorder: The Interplay of Genetic Factors and Inflammation

Preprints.org 2025 4 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 58 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
George Ayoub

Summary

This review explores how genetic factors and environmental inflammatory triggers, including pollutant exposures that cause oxidative stress, may interact to contribute to autism spectrum disorder during early development. Researchers examined how genetic variations affecting brain folate metabolism combined with inflammation could influence neurodevelopment. The study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures in the origins of this condition.

Body Systems

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulty with social communication, behavior, and sensory integration. With its prevalence rising worldwide in recent decades, understanding and mitigating the origins of ASD has become a priority. Though its etiology is multifactorial, current research highlights two major contributors: genetic susceptibilities and environmental inflammatory exposures leading to oxidative stress during critical developmental periods. We explore how genetic variations, particularly those affecting cerebral folate metabolism, and various inflammatory triggers intersect to influence the development of ASD, each giving rise to specific symptoms seen in autism.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Neurodevelopmental Impact of Maternal Immune Activation and Autoimmune Disorders, Environmental Toxicants and Folate Metabolism on Autism Spectrum Disorder

This review explores how environmental factors, including pollutants like microplastics, may contribute to autism spectrum disorder through immune system activation during pregnancy. Researchers examined how maternal immune responses, toxicant exposures, and disruptions in folate metabolism could interact to affect brain development. The study highlights the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures in neurodevelopmental conditions.

Article Tier 2

The Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Possible Origins in Pregnancy

This review examines the potential causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that may originate during pregnancy, including maternal exposure to environmental pollutants. Among the risk factors discussed are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, which may interfere with fetal brain development. The paper highlights the importance of reducing pregnant women's exposure to environmental contaminants to lower the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Article Tier 2

Exposure to local, source-specific ambient air pollution during pregnancy and autism in children: a cohort study from southern Sweden

Researchers tracked air pollution exposure during pregnancy for 40,000 births in Sweden and found that local fine particle pollution — especially from wood burning and road traffic — was associated with higher rates of autism in children, adding to evidence that air quality during pregnancy matters for brain development.

Article Tier 2

Urinary and Plasma Antioxidants in Behavioral Symptoms of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Researchers found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder had significantly lower urinary total antioxidant capacity and higher oxidative stress markers compared to controls, with plasma superoxide dismutase levels emerging as the strongest predictor of behavioral symptom severity.

Meta Analysis Tier 1

Exposition to Plastic and Associated-chemicals in Neurodevelpmental Disorder: an Overview

This overview pools findings from multiple studies on how plastics and their associated chemicals may affect brain development in children. Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, plasticizers like BPA, and flame retardants has been linked to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD in early research, though more human studies are needed to confirm these connections.

Share this paper