The effect of prenatal exposure to environmental hazards in developing risk of autism spectrum disorders in children

Background: Autism is a specific neurodevelopmental condition that typically displays qualitative socio-communicative impairment and restricted, stereotypedinterests and activities .The prevalence of autism has been on the rise over recent years. It is a multifactorial condition in which a single risk factor can unlikelyprovide comprehensive explanation for the disease origin. Many twins and family studies point out the importance of inherited predisposition to the disorder even though epidemiologic research suggest the strong contribution of prenatal and early postnatal environmental factors. In fact, genetic factors alone account for no more than 20–30% of all cases, whereas other 70–80% are the result of a complex interaction between environmental hazards and inherited susceptibility. Methods: A number of extensive case–control studies completed in recent years across the USA investigated the possible association of exposure to toxicants in the air and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism. Exposure to air pollution has been shown to induce increased levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in the brains of children. In addition,exposure to other chemical agents such as pesticides that are distributed widely throughout our environment is of great concern as they are capable of passing the placental barrier and they can induce oxidative stress. Results: The lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is released from phospholipids of cell membranes, and is important in brain development and function. Exposure to oxidative stress can disrupt signaling of the PGE2 pathway and contribute to autism spectrum disorders. Exposure to chemicals in air pollution, pesticides and consumer products, which can also disturb PGE2 signaling and increase the risk for developing ASDs. Conclusion: Exposure to various exogenous risk factors during prenatal and perinatal development can disrupt important neurodevelopmental processes, such as the patterning and growth of the brain, by altering normal gene expression and cell function.A greater buildup of toxins in the mother could increase the likelihood of exposure to the developing fetus or child. Prenatal exposure to air pollution, heavy metals, pesticides and toxic substances in consumer products may trigger atypical brain development and lead to neural pathologies such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. it is crucial to be an educated consumer and to limit exposure to these environmental risk factors especially during prenatal and perinatal development when the brain is most vulnerable

The effect of prenatal exposure to environmental hazards in developing risk of autism spectrum disorders in children Keywords:

Environmental hazard , Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) , Pesticides , ProstaglandinE2(PGE2)