Environmental Risk Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review (2024). Yenkoyan K., Mkhitaryan M., Bjørklund G.Environmental Risk Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review (2024). Yenkoyan, K., Mkhitaryan M., Bjørklund, G.

Open access article: (https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cmc/pre-prints/content-bms-cmc-2023-157)

Abstract
Existing evidence indicates that environmental factors might contribute up to 50% of
the variance in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. This structured narrative review
offers a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on environmental risk factors
in ASD, including evaluation of conflicting evidence, exploration of underlying
mechanisms, and suggestions for future research directions. Analysis of diverse
epidemiological investigations indicates that certain environmental factors, including
advanced parental age, preterm birth, delivery complications, and exposure to toxic
metals, drugs, air pollutants, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are linked to an
increased ASD risk through various mechanisms such as oxidative stress,
inflammation, hypoxia, and its consequences, changes in neurotransmitters, disruption
of signaling pathways and some others. On the other hand, pregnancy-related factors
such as maternal diabetes, maternal obesity, and caesarian section show a weaker
association with ASD risk. At the same time, other environmental factors, such as
vaccination, maternal smoking, or alcohol consumption, are not linked to the risk of
ASD. Regarding nutritional elements data are inconclusive. These findings highlight
the significance of environmental factors in ASD etiology and emphasize that more
focused research is needed to target the risk factors of ASD. Environmental
interventions targeting modifiable risk factors might offer promising avenues for ASD
prevention and treatment.

Citation: Yenkoyan Konstantin, Mkhitaryan Meri, Bjrklund Geir, Environmental Risk
Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review,Current Medicinal
Chemistry, volume 31, issue 17, pages 2345-2360.