Sokolowski et al. (2017)

1. Sokolowski, K., Corbin, J. G., & Scherer, S. W. (2017). Autism spectrum disorder: old targets and new genes. Molecular Psychiatry, 22(4), 519-535. doi: 10.1038/mp.2016.198

 

The study by Sokolowski et al. (2017) aimed to investigate genetic and biological factors underlying ASD. The authors performed a comprehensive review of genetic studies on ASD, as well as studies examining various biological markers associated with ASD.

One of the markers they examined was corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is released by CRH-PVN neurons in the hypothalamus and is involved in the body's stress response system. The authors found that several studies have reported elevated levels of CRH in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with ASD compared to typically developing individuals.

The authors also discussed the potential role of the CRH-PVN system in the development of ASD. They noted that CRH-PVN neurons have been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of the HPA axis, which is involved in the body's response to stress. Dysregulation of the HPA axis has been reported in individuals with ASD, suggesting a potential role for the CRH-PVN system in the development of ASD.

Overall, the findings of the study suggest that dysregulation of the CRH-PVN system may be one of the biological factors underlying ASD. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of this system in the development and pathophysiology of ASD.