In a recent study published in Nature Communications , researchers investigated the role of aromatase in the increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) observed in males prenatally exposed to bisphenol A (BPA). Study: Male autism spectrum disorder is linked to brain aromatase disruption by prenatal BPA in multimodal investigations and 10-HDA ameliorates the related mouse phenotype . Image Credit: Ivan Marc / Shutterstock.
com Autism and the male fetal brain ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often causes restrictive and repetitive behaviors, as well as social deficits that impact social interactions and communication. In Western countries, the prevalence of autism is about 2%; however, recent research suggests that ASD incidence rates are increasing. Autism is associated with a sex bias, as about 80% of affected individuals are male, thus suggesting underlying sex-specific neurodevelopmental factors.
Aromatase is an enzyme encoded by the CYP19A1 gene that is expressed and regulated in the brain. Aromatase converts androgens to estrogens and is found in high levels in the amygdala of males during fetal development. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA can disrupt aromatase function.
Male fetal brains exhibit higher aromatase expression in the amygdala; therefore, prenatal exposure to BPA could impact male neurodevelopment. Several studies have reported an association between maternal exposure to high levels of BPA and sex-specific neurodevelopmental issues in th.
