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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 7, 2014; 20(29): 9942-9951
Published online Aug 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i29.9942
Published online Aug 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i29.9942
Pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders: Revisiting gastrointestinal involvement and immune imbalance
Mohtashem Samsam, Raheleh Ahangari, Saleh A Naser, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences (BSBS), College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
Author contributions: Samsam M wrote the paper; Ahangari R contributed to writing and data finding; Naser SA analyzed the data and gave direction.
Supported by University of Central Florida
Correspondence to: Saleh A Naser, PhD, Professor, Editor-in-Chief, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences (BSBS), College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Building 20, BMS 136, 4110 Libra Dr., Orlando, FL 32816, United States. saleh.naser@ucf.edu
Telephone: +1-407-8230955 Fax: +1-407-8230956
Received: May 12, 2014
Revised: May 22, 2014
Accepted: June 12, 2014
Published online: August 7, 2014
Revised: May 22, 2014
Accepted: June 12, 2014
Published online: August 7, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: According to the March 2012 report released by United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there was a 78% increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) during 2002-2008 in the United States. Although several genes causing ASD have been discovered, genetic cause of ASD is about 25% of cases. There was not a significant research focus on environmental factors and ASD-associated co-morbidities in the last two decades. We revisited the gastrointestinal (GI) involvement, GI infection, immune imbalance, maternal infection and immunity, and intestinal microflora in ASD. Some neuropeptides, neurotrophins, their effects, and side effects have also been discussed.