Intergenerational Metabolic Syndrome and Neuronal Network Hyperexcitability in Autism

Overview

Journal Trends Neurosci

Specialty Neurology

Date 2019 Sep 10

PMID 31495451

Citations 17

Authors

Aileen Rivell

Mark P Mattson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We review evidence that suggests a role for excessive consumption of energy-dense foods, particularly fructose, and consequent obesity and insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome) in the recent increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Maternal insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes may predispose offspring to ASD by mechanisms involving chronic activation of anabolic cellular pathways and a lack of metabolic switching to ketosis resulting in a deficit in GABAergic signaling and neuronal network hyperexcitability. Metabolic reprogramming by epigenetic DNA and chromatin modifications may contribute to alterations in gene expression that result in ASD. These mechanistic insights suggest that interventions that improve metabolic health such as intermittent fasting and exercise may ameliorate developmental neuronal network abnormalities and consequent behavioral manifestations in ASD.

Citing Articles

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