"Different types of neurological disorders, including disorders on the autism spectrum, may be related to this environmental factor," explains Prof. Haitham Amal from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, senior author of the study
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Scientists reveal complex links between air pollution and neurodevelopmental disorders in a groundbreaking scientific review in the journal Brain Medicine.
Environmental exposure to air pollutants during critical developmental periods may significantly affect the risk of autism, according to a review recently published in the journal Brain Medicine. The research highlights how common air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitroxides, can activate complex biological chains that affect brain development.
"Different types of neurological disorders, including disorders on the autism spectrum, may be related to this environmental factor," explains Prof. Yitham Amal from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, senior author of the study. "The timing of exposure is critical, with increased sensitivity during fetal development and early childhood, when key neurodevelopmental processes occur."
Key pathways linking air pollution to autism
The review identifies several key pathways through which air pollutants may affect the development of ASD:
- nitrosative load which is coordinated by nitrogen oxides (NO).
- Neurological inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Disruption of neurotransmitter systems.
- epigenetic changes.
- Damage to the endocrine system.
- Disruptions in metabolic systems.
A particularly worrying finding is that the smaller particles, mainly PM2.5 and NO products, can cross the placenta and affect fetal brain development. This discovery raises important questions regarding protective measures for pregnant women in contaminated areas.
Gene-environment interactions in autism risk
"The research suggests that people with a genetic predisposition to ASD may be more sensitive to the harmful effects of exposure to air pollution," notes Prof. Amal. "This interaction between genetic and environmental factors opens new avenues for understanding the complex etiology of ASD."
"My lab has shown that NO plays a central role in ASD, but this study highlights the critical role of this molecule and its derivatives in the brain," adds Prof. Amal.
The review, written by actor Kumar Ojha, a doctoral student in Prof. Amal's laboratory, highlights promising directions for the development of biomarkers, which may enable early identification of individuals at risk. These findings come at a critical time, when the rate of ASD in the world is 1-1.5% of the population.
The implications of the research go beyond individual health and reach public policy. How might cities need to adapt their urban planning to protect vulnerable populations? What role might air quality monitoring play in prenatal care? These questions become more and more urgent as the processes of urbanization in the world continue.
The research team emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies examining the combined effects of different pollutants, especially during specific developmental time windows. Understanding these interactions may be critical to developing effective prevention strategies.
More of the topic in Hayadan:
