perinatal stress, brain inflammation and risk of autism-review and proposal围产期压力,脑部炎症和autism-review和建议的风险.pdf

Angelidou et al. BMC Pediatrics 2012, 12:89 /1471-2431/12/89 REVIEW Open Access Perinatal stress, brain inflammation and risk of autism-Review and proposal 1,6,8† 1,5† 1,6,9 1 Asimenia Angelidou , Shahrzad Asadi , Konstantinos-Dionysios Alysandratos , Anna Karagkouni , 7 1,2,3,4,6* Stella Kourembanas , and Theoharis C Theoharides Abstract Background: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by varying deficits in social interactions, communication, and learning, as well as stereotypic behaviors. Despite the significant increase in ASD, there are few if any clues for its pathogenesis, hampering early detection or treatment. Premature babies are also more vulnerable to infections and inflammation leading to neurodevelopmental problems and higher risk of developing ASD. Many autism “susceptibility” genes have been identified, but “environmental” factors appear to play a significant role. Increasing evidence suggests that there are different ASD endophenotypes. Discussion: We review relevant literature suggesting in utero inflammation can lead to preterm labor, while insufficient development of the gut-blood–brain barriers could permit exposure to potential neurotoxins. This risk apparently may increase in parents with “allergic” or autoimmune problems during gestation, or if they had been exposed to stressors. The presence of circulating auto-antibodies against fetal brain proteins in mothers is associated with higher risk of autism and suggests disruption of the blood–brain-barrier (BBB). A number of papers have reported increased brain expression or cerebrospi