Abstract
We propose that the mitochondrion, an essential cellular organelle, mediates the long-term prenatal environmental effects of disease in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many prenatal environmental factors which increase the risk of developing ASD influence mitochondria physiol-ogy, including toxicant exposures, immune activation, and nutritional factors. Unique types of mi-tochondrial dysfunction have been associated with ASD and recent studies have linked prenatal environmental exposures to long‐term changes in mitochondrial physiology in children with ASD. A better understanding of the role of the mitochondria in the etiology of ASD can lead to targeted therapeutics and strategies to potentially prevent the development of ASD.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 218 |
Journal | Journal of Personalized Medicine |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2021 |
Keywords
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Immune dysfunction
- Mitochondria
- Oxidative stress
- Prenatal environment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)