Risk of autistic spectrum disorder in offspring with parental mood disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability with a genetic basis, and several studies have suggested a potential role of the reelin gene (RELN) in ASD susceptibility. Accordingly, genetic association studies have explored this potential association, but the results have been controversial thus far. For this reason, we assessed the association of four genetic variants of RELN (the 5′UTR CGG triplet repeat and polymorphisms rs736707, rs362691, and rs2229864) with ASD by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. We retrieved studies comparing the distribution of the above-mentioned genetic variants between ASD patients and healthy controls. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model, and calculations of the odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were performed. A sensitivity analysis and tests to determine the heterogeneity of the results were also performed. Eleven previous studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and analyzed the association of the above-mentioned genetic variants and ASD. We did not find any significant association between the allele or genotype frequencies of the analyzed polymorphisms and ASD, and large heterogeneity was found for the rs736707 polymorphism. Moreover, no significant differences were found between the 5′UTR triplet repeat and this disorder. In light of current evidence, no single genetic variant within this gene is clearly associated with the development of ASD, and ethnic differences may explain part of the observed heterogeneity. Larger studies among different ethnic groups are needed to establish the role of specific genetic variants within RELN in the etiology of this disorder.

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Association of the Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation with the Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1736298 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (10) ◽

pp. 775-781

Author(s):

Adalberto Cruz Sampaio ◽

Francisco Facundo de Matos ◽

Lucas de Lucena Lopes ◽

Ítalo Marcelo Maia Marques ◽

Ravel Moreira Tavares ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Folic Acid ◽

Data Collection ◽

Autistic Spectrum Disorder ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Medical Subject Headings ◽

Autistic Spectrum

Abstract Objective To analyze the scientific production regarding maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation and its relationship with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Data Sources We performed unrestricted electronic searches in the BIREME virtual bank, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed) databases. Selection of Studies For sample selection, articles that met the proposed objectives were included, published in English, Spanish and Portuguese, the use of Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): autistic OR autism AND autism spectrum disorder AND folic acid, AND, with the use of the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): autistic OR autism AND autistic spectrum disorder AND folic acid. Data Collection Data extraction was performed by the reviewers with a preestablished data collection formulary. Data Synthesis The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) was used based on a checklist with 27 items and a 4-step flowchart. Results A total of 384 articles was found by the search strategies, of which 17 were eligible following the pre-established criteria. The main findings of the present review point to maternal FA supplementation in the pre-conception period and beginning of pregnancy as a protective effect in relation to ASD, which should be indicated in this period as prevention to the problem. Conclusion According to the research analyzed, more studies are necessary to know its effects on pregnancy, since the consumption of excessive FA may not be innocuous.

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