Is There the Role of Endocrine Disruptors in Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The maintenance of human health and generation depends on the perfect functioning of hormones and similar signal carrier substances, which are vital for metabolism, growth-development, mental functions, immune system and reproduction. Babies and young children are more sensitive to contaminants in food than adults. Exposure to endocrine disruptors in infancy and early childhood is important for the development of childhood diseases. In prenatal period, babies may be exposed to contaminants through the placenta. As a result of this exposure, the endocrine system of the body is affected and adverse effects on the neurological, reproductive, cardiovascular, metabolic and immune system occur. Endocrine disruptors can affect thereby changing the effects of estrogen, androgens and thyroid hormones. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects both the individual with the disorder and his or her entire family, which has a life-long and often destructive effect. The factors that cause ASD are not definitively known, but there are findings that it is genetic based. Environmental factors may also lead to ASD. A large number of research has been carried out on the effects of both genetic and environmental factors. In recent studies, pregnant women's body fluids (urine, serum) endocrine disruptive substance content and the prenatal body load of chemicals measured and the effects of these on children and their relationship to ASD are examined. Although there are studies on the relationship of endocrine disruptors with ASD, more studies are needed on this subject. In this review, it was aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between OSB and endocrine disruptors according to current study results