A potential role for the adrenal gland in autism

Mini review of molecules involved in altered postnatal neurogenesis in autism

The neurobiology of autism is complex, but emerging research points to potential abnormalities and alterations in neurogenesis. The aim of the present review is to describe the advances in the understanding of the role of selected neurotrophins, neuropeptides, and other compounds secreted by neuronal cells in the processes of postnatal neurogenesis in conjunction with autism. We characterize the fundamental mechanisms of neuronal cell proliferation, generation of major neuronal cell types with special emphasis on neurogenic niches - the subventricular zone and hippocampal areas. We also discuss changes in intracellular calcium levels and calcium-dependent transcription factors in the context of the regulation of neurogenesis and cell fate determination. To sum up, this review provides specific insight into the known association between alterations in the function of the entire spectrum of molecules involved in neurogenesis and the etiology of autism pathogenesis.

Identification of moderate effect size genes in autism spectrum disorder through a novel gene pairing approach

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) arises from complex genetic and environmental factors, with inherited genetic variation playing a substantial role. This study introduces a novel approach to uncover moderate effect size (MES) genes in ASD, which individually do not meet the ASD liability threshold but collectively contribute when paired with specific other MES genes. Analyzing 10,795 families from the SPARK dataset, we identified 97 MES genes forming 50 significant gene pairs, demonstrating a substantial association with ASD when considered in tandem, but not individually. Our method leverages familial inheritance patterns and statistical analyses, refined by comparisons against control cohorts, to elucidate these gene pairs' contribution to ASD liability. Furthermore, expression profile analyses of these genes in brain tissues underscore their relevance to ASD pathology. This study underscores the complexity of ASD's genetic landscape, suggesting that gene combinations, beyond high impact single-gene mutations, significantly contribute to the disorder's etiology and heterogeneity. Our findings pave the way for new avenues in understanding ASD's genetic underpinnings and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

Association between prenatal androgens and cord blood androgens, a path analysis

To determine association paths between prenatal androgens and cord blood androgens. The concentrations of T, FT, DHT, DHEA and SHBG in prenatal venous blood and cord blood were measured in 342 pregnant women and their neonates. The association paths between these hormones in prenatal and cord blood were revealed using Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression and path analysis. CB-T, CB-FT and CB-DHT in male neonates were higher than those in female neonates. In male and female neonates, P-FT was lower than CB-FT; however, P-DHT and P-SHBG were higher than CB-DHT and CB-SHBG, respectively. P-DHEA was lower than CB-DHEA in female newborns. In male neonates, there were association paths of P-T → CB-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-DHT, CB-DHEA → CB-DHT, CB-DHEA → P-DHT, and CB-DHEA → P-DHEA. In female neonates, there were association paths of P-T → CB-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → P-DHT, P-T → P-DHT, P-DHEA → P-DHT, CB-DHEA → P-DHEA, and CB-DHEA → CB-FT. There were differences in the T, FT and DHT concentrations in cord blood between male and female neonates and in the FT, DHT, DHEA, and SHBG concentrations between prenatal and cord blood. P-T and P-FT concentrations were positively associated with CB-T and CB-FT concentrations, while CB-DHEA concentration was positively associated with P-DHEA concentration.