Abstract
Though the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unknown, recent findings suggest that hormone dysregulation within the prenatal environment, in conjunction with genetic factors, may alter fetal neurodevelopment. Early emphasis has been placed on the potential role of in utero exposure to androgens, particularly testosterone, to theorize ASD as the manifestation of an “extreme male brain.” The relationship between autism risk and obstetric conditions associated with inflammation and steroid dysregulation merits a much broader understanding of the in utero steroid environment and its potential influence on fetal neuroendocrine development. The exploration of hormone dysregulation in the prenatal environment and ASD development builds upon prior research publishing associations with obstetric conditions and ASD risk. The insight gained may be applied to the development of chronic adult metabolic diseases that share prenatal risk factors with ASD. Future research directions will also be discussed.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication in addition to stereotyped, repetitive behaviors [1]
Prenatal factors associated with elevated ASD risk include maternal conditions that contribute to a suboptimal prenatal environment, as it relates to inflammation, metabolism, and steroid hormone regulation [3, 4]
As the placenta secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in response to stress hormones [252], an adverse prenatal environment may contribute to steroid dysregulation in ASD through elevated hCG exerting its influence on testosterone synthesis in male fetuses
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication in addition to stereotyped, repetitive behaviors [1]. Studies exploring the in utero steroid environment, primarily as it relates to hormone-sensitive cancer risk among offspring, have found elevated maternal serum estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels in pregnancies characterized by higher weight gain [58,59,60,61]. Understanding fetal HPA axis development in the 2nd trimester (i.e., 13th to 26th week gestation) provides a context in which to interpret the association between ASD and steroid hormone levels (whether measured in maternal serum or amniotic fluid) during this gestational window.
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
