Abstract
BackgroundPrenatal androgen exposure has been hypothesized to be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While previous studies have found a link between testosterone levels in amniotic fluid and autistic-like traits, a similar relationship has not been found for testosterone in umbilical cord blood. However, it may be the net biological activity of multiple androgens and estrogens that influences postnatal effects of prenatal sex steroids. Accordingly, composite levels of androgens (A) and estrogens (E) were investigated, along with their ratio, in relation to autistic-like traits in young adulthood.MethodsSex steroid data in umbilical cord blood were available from 860 individuals at delivery. Samples were analyzed for androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone) and estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol, and estetrol). Levels of bioavailable testosterone, estradiol, and estrone were measured and used to calculate A and E composites and the A to E ratio. Participants were approached in early adulthood to complete the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ) as a self-report measure of autistic-like traits, with 183 males (M = 20.10 years, SD = 0.65 years) and 189 females (M =19.92 years, SD = 0.68 years) providing data.ResultsMales exhibited significantly higher androgen composites and A to E composite ratios than females. Males also scored significantly higher on the details/patterns subscale of the AQ. Subsequent categorical and continuous analyses, which accounted for covariates, revealed no substantial relationships between the A/E composites or the A to E ratio and the AQ total or subscale scores.ConclusionsThe current study found no link between the A/E composites or the A to E ratio in cord blood and autistic-like traits in the population as measured by the AQ. These outcomes do not exclude the possibility that these sex steroid variables may predict other neurodevelopmental traits in early development.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11689-015-9114-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Prenatal androgen exposure has been hypothesized to be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Measures Sex steroid measurement Mixed arterial and venous umbilical cord blood was obtained at the birth of 860 deliveries from the intensive ultrasound arm of the cohort which consisted of 1415 singleton pregnancies in total
There was no significant difference between males who did or did not complete the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ) in androgen, t(362) = 0.86, p = .39, estrogen, t(362) = 1.47, p = .14, or ratio, t(337.07) = 1.21, p = .23, composite values
Summary
Prenatal androgen exposure has been hypothesized to be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While previous studies have found a link between testosterone levels in amniotic fluid and autistic-like traits, a similar relationship has not been found for testosterone in umbilical cord blood. It may be the net biological activity of multiple androgens and estrogens that influences postnatal effects of prenatal sex steroids. It is proposed that greater exposure to testosterone (one of the most biologically active androgens) during a sensitive developmental period (weeks 8–24 of gestation) may have masculinizing effects on the fetal brain [7] and may be a precursor to autistic-like traits. Circulating testosterone measured in blood samples has been found to be significantly higher in male fetuses than in female fetuses in utero [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
