Why boys are at higher risk of autism decoded


Team Udayavani, Oct 19, 2017, 4:45 PM IST

Washington: Scientists have discovered differences in a brain signalling pathway that causes autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to be more common in boys. “One intriguing aspect of autism is that it predominantly affects males; four boys are affected for every one girl,” said Ted Abel, from the University of Iowa in the US.

“We don’t understand what it is about this disorder that predisposes boys as compared to girls to develop autism,” said Abel. This male bias is also seen in other neurodevelopmental disorders, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific language impairments.

Nearly one in every 200 cases of autism is caused by the deletion of a section of DNA on a particular chromosome. This type of disorder is also known as a copy number variation (CNV). The mouse model of autism used by the research team is missing the same stretch of DNA.

Researchers tested the mice for abnormalities in reward- learning behaviour – learning to associate actions with rewarding outcomes. This type of learning is mediated by a part of the brain called the striatum and is disrupted in people with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

The study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, shows that only male mice with the autism-associated genetic deletion have abnormal reward-learning behaviour. Female mice with the same genetic deletion are not affected. Moreover, these sex-specific behavioural differences are accompanied by sex differences in molecular signalling pathways in the striatum brain region.

“Problems with reward learning could explain why individuals with autism don’t interact socially – because they don’t find it rewarding in the same way,” said Abel.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

CM Vijayan opens Huddle Global; Says Kerala will be key player in India’s deep tech ambitions

Bengaluru to host Aero India 2025 from Feb 10-14

Karnataka cabinet decides to reopen graft case against Ex-CM Yediyurappa and family

Man attacks nurse inside hospital, caught on camera

Special tribute concert for legendary singer SPB to be held in Bengaluru on Dec 8

Bengaluru Airport hosts Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration

Bengaluru Hubba to kickstart with folk dance performance by 500-member troupe

Related Articles More

Genetic vulnerability for low insulin, unhealthy fat major causes for diabetes in South Asians: Study

Study links overthinking to ‘constant communication’ between brain’s fear-centre, social behaviour

Mangaluru: Campco opposes WHO’s claim of arecanut being carcinogenic

10 month baby gets new heart, new life

World COPD Day: Know your lung function

MUST WATCH

Grafting

Coconut Flower

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing


Latest Additions

CM Vijayan opens Huddle Global; Says Kerala will be key player in India’s deep tech ambitions

Bengaluru to host Aero India 2025 from Feb 10-14

Karnataka cabinet decides to reopen graft case against Ex-CM Yediyurappa and family

Man attacks nurse inside hospital, caught on camera

Special tribute concert for legendary singer SPB to be held in Bengaluru on Dec 8

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.