Molecular biology of autism’s etiology – An alternative mechanism

Autism is a neuropathologic condition believed to be the consequence of cerebral dysconnectivity. Hypomyelination of axons in brain nerve pathways parallels behavioral abnormalities characteristic of autism. The present discussion will examine the functional association of insulin-like growth factor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical hypotheses 2019-09, Vol.130, p.109272, Article 109272
Main Authors: Steinman, Gary, Mankuta, David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autism
Autistic Disorder - blood
Autistic Disorder - etiology
Autistic Disorder - genetics
Axon
Axons - metabolism
Biomarkers
Biomarkers - metabolism
Brain - physiopathology
Child, Preschool
Etiology
Female
Humans
IGF1
Infant
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I - genetics
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Models, Neurological
Myelin
Myelin Sheath - metabolism
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
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Summary:Autism is a neuropathologic condition believed to be the consequence of cerebral dysconnectivity. Hypomyelination of axons in brain nerve pathways parallels behavioral abnormalities characteristic of autism. The present discussion will examine the functional association of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) to neo-neuron myelination, especially in autistic children. These structural defects apparently correlate with a reduced level of circulating IGF. In addition, the potential connection of single nucleotide polymorphism to the etiology of autism is considered. Pharmaceutical and nutritional supplements that may enhance IGF1 to reduce the incidence of autism are proposed.
ISSN:0306-9877
1532-2777
DOI:10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109272