1. Angelina V, Chelsea M, Kelly P, Suzanne M, Katarzyna C. Limited Effect of Masking During COVID-19 Pandemic on ADOS-2 Algorithm Scores in Toddlers With and Without Autism. Autism Res. 2025.

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) constitutes one of the most widely used diagnostic instruments for autism and involves a direct face-to-face interaction between clinician and child. During the COVID-19 pandemic, administration of the ADOS-2 continued in several countries, with the requirement of face mask protection. It has been hypothesized that mask wearing may have disrupted the dynamic of child-clinician interaction and differentially affected toddlers with autism. We compared ADOS-2 algorithm scores between cohorts of toddlers evaluated before (pre-COVID-19, n = 232) and during the pandemic (COVID-19, n = 116). The COVID-19 cohort included 41 toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (AUT, Mage = 25.4, SD = 3.8), 34 toddlers with other neurodevelopmental conditions (NDC, Mage = 22.3, SD = 5.0), and 41 typically developing toddlers (TD, Mage = 20.4, SD = 3.6) recruited between September 2020 and April 2023. The pre-COVID-19 cohort was selected from 409 assessments conducted from January 2013 to March 2020. Propensity matching was used to match the pre- and COVID-19 cohorts on sex, chronological age, and verbal and nonverbal developmental quotient (DQ) scores. Ordered logistic regression analyses were computed for social affect (SA) and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) algorithm total and item scores, with cohort (pre-COVID-19/COVID-19) as a fixed factor for each diagnostic group. The analyses revealed a limited impact of cohort on the algorithm scores in all three diagnostic groups. Item-level analysis revealed a significant cohort effect only on two out of 20 items: shared enjoyment and joint attention, with higher (more atypical) scores found in the COVID-19 than in the pre-COVID-19 cohorts. The resiliency of the algorithm and item-level scores to the effect of masking speaks to the strength of the diagnostic tool and its ability to capture a range of social, communication, and repetitive behaviors under both standard and nonstandard conditions.

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2. Cardoso MM, Riesgo RDS, Sleifer P. Auditory Brainstem Response Findings in Children with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Study. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2025; 29(2): 1-7.

Introduction  Autism spectrum disorder is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions, as well as repetitive behavioral patterns. Understanding the relationship between auditory brainstem response and hearing is crucial, considering the importance of sensory function. Auditory brainstem response testing is a tool that evaluates the auditory system from periphery to brainstem in response to an acoustic stimulus, providing important information about the auditory pathways. Objective  To compare auditory brainstem response findings in children with autism spectrum disorder versus those of a control group. Methods  Cross-sectional, comparative study of 23 children (age 7-10 years) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and an age- and sex-matched control group of normal-hearing children with typical development. All participants underwent otoscopy, impedance audiometry, pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and brainstem evoked response audiometry. Results  Statistically significant between-group differences were seen on comparison of the absolute latencies of waves III ( p  = 0.047) and V ( p  = 0.034), as well as interpeak intervals III to V ( p  = 0.048) and I to V ( p  = 0.036), with increased values in the study group. The sample was composed of 8.7% females and 91.3% males. Conclusion  In this sample, children with autism spectrum disorder showed increased auditory brainstem response latencies compared to the control group, suggesting auditory pathway impairment.

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3. Dickson Page S, Trone K, Souders MC, Pinto-Martin JA, Deatrick JA. The Multidimensional Factors That Influence the Family Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methods Study. J Fam Nurs. 2025: 10748407251333201.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have complex health needs and co-occurring medical and psychiatric diagnoses. Using the Family Management Style Framework, this convergent parallel mixed methods (QUAN + qual) study: (a) examined the intersection of Ability and Effort to define family management patterns and (b) evaluated the influence of child (ASD-related behaviors, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal symptoms, aggression, self-injury), caregiver (anxiety, depression), and family (social support, unmet social needs) factors on family management pattern. Fifty-six primary caregivers of children with ASD completed the quantitative strand of the study. A nested sample of 30 caregivers participated in semi-structured interviews. The four patterns of family management were similar to those previously identified. Data from quantitative measures and interviews converged to identify that specific child characteristics (ASD behaviors, sleep disturbances, aggression, self-injury) and the caregiver’s perceived social support influence family management. Descriptions of family management patterns and their correlates are important to guiding family nursing for this population.

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4. Dumont C, Belenger M, Destrebecqz A, Kissine M. Exploring Unexpected Bilingualism in Autism: Enhanced Sensitivity to Non-Adjacent Dependencies. Dev Sci. 2025; 28(4): e70026.

Statistical learning refers to the ability to detect regularities from sensory input, including speech. Statistical learning plays a key role in language acquisition, particularly for complex structures, such as nonadjacent dependencies, that are ubiquitous in natural language syntax. This study investigates nonadjacent dependency learning in autistic children who acquire English through screen exposure, a phenomenon known as Unexpected Bilingualism (UB). Unlike their non-autistic peers, autistic-UB children acquire foreign languages with little interactional support. We hypothesize that this intensive experience with linguistic input should be associated in autistic-UB children with enhanced sensitivity to nonadjacent dependencies. An artificial language learning experiment confirmed that both non-autistic and autistic children with close to typical language ranges can learn non-adjacent dependencies from passive exposure to unfamiliar linguistic input. Crucially, autistic-UB exhibited significantly faster learning as compared to their autistic and non-autistic peers. This study documents that UB in autism is associated with distinct cognitive abilities.

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5. Hendren RL, Widjaja F. Editorial: Improving outcomes in autism spectrum disorders for adults. Front Psychiatry. 2025; 16: 1615757.

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6. Jiang Y, Li X. [Advances in the study of signaling pathways in Global developmental delay /Intellectual disability combined with congenital craniofacial malformation]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi. 2025; 42(2): 249-56.

Global developmental delay (GDD) and intellectual disability (ID) refer to deficits in cognitive and adaptive functioning that arise during the developmental period. GDD/ID is often accompanied by complex developmental abnormalities, with congenital craniofacial malformations being among the most common, such as craniosynostosis, cleft lip and palate, and congenital tooth agenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms of GDD/ID associated with congenital craniofacial malformations remain unclear. With the increasing number of reported genetic syndromes, genetic factors are emerging as key contributors to the concurrent abnormalities in brain and craniofacial development. Studies have identified Wnt, SHH, FGF, and BMP as classical regulatory molecules in craniofacial development, and their roles have also been closely linked to various stages of brain development. This review focuses on the regulatory roles of Wnt, SHH, FGF, and BMP signaling pathways in brain and craniofacial development, as well as the pathogenic mechanisms underlying their association with GDD/ID and craniofacial malformations. The aim is to provide new insights into the etiology of GDD/ID combined with congenital craniofacial malformations.

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7. Li D, Liang Z, Miao C, Li L, Li C. Age-period-cohort analysis of autism spectrum disorders-related prevalence and DALYs: based on the Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021. Front Psychiatry. 2025; 16: 1570276.

BACKGROUND: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for systematic monitoring to optimize child development outcomes. As a developmental disorder affecting children and adults, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) not only impacts individual social functioning but also places a burden on families and society. A detailed analysis of the latest global burden data on ASD can assist stakeholders in formulating support policies and interventions, thereby helping to meet the health needs of ASD. METHODS: We used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021), compiled by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Data were obtained through the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) and covered 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Variables included ASD-related prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized rates, and the sociodemographic index (SDI). RESULTS: Exposure to autism spectrum disorders contributed to 61823540 prevalence and 11544038 DALYs globally in 2021. Males and younger adults were high-risk populations. Higher socio-demographic index (SDI) regions were high-risk areas. The disease burden varied considerably across the GBD regions and the countries. From 1990 to 2021, the number of cases increased. The predicted results showed that the disease burden for both genders would still increase from 2022 to 2046. Countries or regions with a higher SDI have greater burden improvement potential. CONCLUSION: The global burden of ASD has shown a continuous upward trend, with some differences observed across gender, age groups, and SDI regions. In terms of gender, the burden of ASD among females may be underestimated. Regarding age groups, the aging process has highlighted the urgent need to address ASD in the elderly population. High-SDI regions should place greater emphasis on improving diagnostic methods and implementing precise interventions, while middle- and low-SDI regions should focus on raising public awareness and enhancing screening capabilities.

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8. Lipiński P. Autism spectrum disorder and inherited metabolic diseases: are there any common features?. Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2025; 31(1): 30-4.

Given the increasing prevalence and knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and inherited metabolic diseases (IMD), the aim of this manuscript was to provide practical implications of the molecular (metabolic) diagnostics of ASD and also give the rationale of selective screening of IMD in paediatric patients presenting with autistic features. A wide range of autistic features have been reported in patients with various IMD, including aminoacidopathies, organic acidurias, cerebral creatine deficiencies, and defects of purines and pyrimidines metabolism. A total of 9 cross-sectional studies reporting children diagnosed with ASD, who were subsequently screened for IMD, were identified. There is no cause-effect relationship be-tween autism spectrum disorders and inherited metabolic diseases; however, all neurometabolic diseases presenting with intellectual disability may meet the criteria for ASD diagnosis.

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9. Long J, Liao X, Han K, Niu M, Chen J, Wang X, Liu J, Zhang Y, Zhang H. Association of Thyroid Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Autism Res. 2025.

The action of the thyroid hormones and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is interdependent. The levels of thyroid hormone and IGF-1 were reported to be altered in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the results were controversial. This study aims to compare levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyroid stimulating hormone, and IGF-1 between the ASD group and neurotypical controls. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for eligible observational studies. We calculated pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of our data using a random or fixed effect model. The search strategy provided a total of 1710 articles, of which 16 articles were quantitatively analyzed. The total number of included participants was 2399 (1285 cases and 1114 controls). The meta-analysis revealed no significantly changed blood levels of thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and IGF-1 of subjects with ASD compared to non-autistic controls. The blood TSH levels were significantly lower in ASD subjects than in controls (n = 859, Hedges’ g = -1.18, 95% CI: -2.17 to -0.20, p = 0.02). Subgroup-analysis results showed that blood free triiodothyronine (n = 153, Hedges’ g = -0.74, 95% CI: -1.08 to -0.40, p < 0.0001, I(2) = 2%), free thyroxine (n = 153, Hedges' g = -0.72, 95% CI: -1.31 to -0.14, p = 0.02, I(2) = 66%), and IGF-1 (n = 397; Hedges' g = -0.92; 95% CI: -1.30 to -0.55, p < 0.00001, I(2) = 63%) levels were significantly reduced in subjects with severe ASD symptoms. Individuals with severe ASD may experience a dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and further studies are warranted to determine the correlation between thyroid hormone and IGF-1 levels and disease severity. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01970345.

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10. Machado S, Paes F, Lima JL. Applied Behavior Analysis: Key Points to Improve Autism Treatment. Alpha Psychiatry. 2025; 26(2): 38858.

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11. Mansoor KMA. The association between intolerance of uncertainty and psychological burden among caregivers of children with autism and the impact on their quality of life. Front Psychiatry. 2025; 16: 1492304.

INTRODUCTION: Caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face significant stressors, including financial strain, social stigma, emotional exhaustion, and unpredictable daily routines. These challenges can severely impact their quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to examine the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty, caregiver burden, and QoL among caregivers of children with autism. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 59 caregivers from six branches of the Obour Company for Human Development in Riyadh. Data were collected electronically using a sociodemographic data sheet, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, the Zarit Burden Interview (short form), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (brief form). RESULTS: Findings revealed that two-thirds of caregivers experienced high to moderate levels of intolerance to uncertainty and a moderate burden, while 13.6% reported a high burden. Nearly 60% of participants reported low overall QoL, particularly in the psychological and social domains. A significant positive correlation was found between intolerance of uncertainty and caregiver burden. Additionally, significant negative associations were observed between QoL scores and both intolerance of uncertainty and caregiver burden, except in the environmental domain. Intolerance of uncertainty emerged as a significant inverse predictor of overall QoL. DISCUSSION: These results emphasize the psychological toll of caregiving for children with ASD. Interventions such as family- and community-based support programs and child behavioral training are essential to reduce caregiver burden and enhance QoL. Tailored services should be prioritized in clinical practice to support caregivers more effectively.

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12. Marinov D, Eyubova S, Toneva A, Chamova R, Braykova R, Hadzhieva S, Pancheva R. Linking Dietary Patterns to Autism Severity and Developmental Outcomes: A Correlational Study Using Food Frequency Questionnaires; The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition; And Developmental Profile 3. Biomedicines. 2025; 13(5).

Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD often exhibit selective eating habits that may result in nutritional deficiencies and exacerbate developmental issues. While food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are effective for dietary assessment, the links between food preferences, ASD severity, and developmental outcomes remain underexplored, particularly in Bulgaria. This study examines these relationships using validated tools. Methods: The present report constitutes a pilot, hypothesis-generating substudy of the broader NutriLect project. This substudy involved 49 children aged 2-12 years diagnosed with ASD. Dietary patterns were evaluated with a modified FFQ, while ASD severity and developmental profiles were assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS-2) and the Developmental Profile 3 (DP-3). Results: Among 49 ASD children (mean age = 6.89 ± 2.15 years; 86% boys), 73.4% consumed grains/potatoes daily. Only 34.7% met combined fruit and vegetable recommendations. Only 36.7% met the recommendation for daily milk or other dairy product consumption. Fish was consumed at least twice weekly by only 22,4%. Furthermore, children with more severe autism were approximately 9.4 times more likely to consume grains daily (χ(2) = 14.319, p = 0.006). Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher cognitive scores were strongly associated with lower grain (OR ≈ 0.044) and other dairy products consumption (OR ≈ 0.337), yet with greater fish intake (OR ≈ 3.317). In contrast, better communication skills corresponded to increased milk consumption (OR ≈ 5.76), and higher physical development scores predicted more frequent egg consumption (OR ≈ 4.40). Conclusions: The pronounced preference for grain and meat products, which are frequently ultra-processed, and avoidance of nutrient-dense foods in children with severe ASD symptoms underscore the need for tailored dietary interventions. These interventions must address sensory sensitivities, nutritional inadequacies, and the risks that selective nutrition can have on the nutritional status and development of the children.

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13. Mohamed Z, Ponsonby AL, Wakhlu A, Thomson S, Love C, Symeonides C, Ranganathan S, O’Hely M, Vuillermin PJ, Drummond K. Infant sleep characteristics in children with autism spectrum disorder: a population-derived Australian birth cohort study. Arch Dis Child. 2025; 110(6): 471-9.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prospective associations between infant sleep patterns and subsequent autism characteristics and diagnosis in a population-derived sample. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Population-derived birth cohort study in Victoria, Australia’s Barwon region, with 1074 mother-infant pairs recruited from June 2010 to 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Infant sleep characteristics via the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire at 6 months (n=925) and 12 months (n=885). Parent-reported autism characteristics measured using the Child Behaviour Checklist for Ages 1½-5 (CBCL/1½-5; n=676) at 2 years and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for report for ages 4-10 (SDQ/P4-10; n=791) at 4 years. Autism Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5) diagnoses (n=64) were confirmed by 11.5 years. RESULTS: At 6 months, each 10% increase (~1 hour) in night sleep duration was associated with fewer autism characteristics at 2 years (4.5% decrease, CBCL/1½-5) and 4 years (4.5% decrease, SDQ/P4-10) and 22% lower autism DSM-5 diagnosis odds by 11.5 years (adjusted mean difference (AMD): -0.02, 95% CI: -0.04 to -0.01; AMD: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.03 to -0.007; adjusted OR (AOR): 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.94). At 12 months, each 25% increase in sleep latency (~5 min) was associated with more autism characteristics (1.5% increase, CBCL/1½-5, AMD: 0.006, 95% CI: 0.002 to 0.01) and 7.7% higher autism diagnosis odds (AOR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.13). Among diagnosed school-aged children, 42% used melatonin in the past month. CONCLUSIONS: Poor infant sleep quality was linked to increased autism characteristics and diagnosis odds in a population-derived Australian sample. The extent to which this reflects common determinants of poor sleep and autism is not known. These findings suggest early monitoring of sleep issues as a potential autism indicator.

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14. Prinsen J, Alaerts K. Endogenous and exogenous oxytocin modulate interpersonal motor resonance in autism: A context-dependent and person-specific approach. Autism. 2025: 13623613251335730.

Understanding and interpreting non-verbal actions are critical components of social cognition, which are often challenging for autistic individuals. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known to modulate social behavior and enhance the salience of social stimuli, is being explored as a therapeutic option for improving social mirroring. However, its effects are mediated by context- and person-dependent factors. This study examines the impact of a single intranasal dose of oxytocin (24 IU) on interpersonal motor resonance in young adult men with and without autism. Neurophysiological assessments of corticomotor excitability were performed using transcranial magnetic stimulation while participants observed real-time hand movements displayed by an experimenter demonstrating varying social intent (i.e. showing direct vs averted gaze). While no overall effect of oxytocin on interpersonal motor resonance was observed across groups, person-specific factors significantly influenced outcomes. In the autism group, individuals with higher endogenous oxytocin levels exhibited greater motor resonance during action observation. Autistic individuals with heightened social difficulties or avoidant attachment styles showed enhanced motor resonance following oxytocin administration. These findings highlight the nuanced role of both endogenous and exogenous oxytocin in shaping neurophysiological motor resonance and emphasize the importance of individual variability in assessing oxytocin’s therapeutic potential for addressing social challenges in autism.Lay abstractThis study explores how oxytocin, a hormone that influences social behaviors, affects the ability to interpret and respond to non-verbal cues, particularly in autistic adults. Understanding others’ actions and intentions, often guided by observing body language and eye contact, is a critical part of social interaction. Autistic individuals frequently face challenges in these areas. Using a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique, the study measured participants’ brain responses as they observed real-time hand movements paired with the interaction partner’s direct eye contact or averted gaze. Participants included young autistic and non-autistic adult men who received a placebo and a single dose of oxytocin via nasal spray. Results showed no overall differences between the two groups in their brain responses to these movements. However, in the autism group, several factors significantly influenced the effects of oxytocin. Participants with higher natural oxytocin levels or those who reported greater social challenges showed stronger responses after oxytocin administration, particularly when observing hand movements combined with direct gaze. These findings suggest that oxytocin may enhance social understanding in autistic individuals, especially for those experiencing greater difficulties. This highlights the potential of personalized approaches when considering oxytocin as a therapeutic option to improve social interactions.

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15. Qiu Z. Advancements in autism spectrum disorder research –from mechanisms to interventions. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2025; 93: 103048.

This review summarizes recent advancements in the research of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), emphasizing genetic underpinnings and their implications for neurodevelopment and cognitive functions. It explores both syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD, highlighting the discovery of critical ASD-related genes and their mechanistic roles as revealed by studies using genetically engineered mouse and non-human primate models. While these models have shed light on the potential of synaptic dysfunction to disrupt brain development, they also underscore the challenges of replicating complex cognitive dysfunctions observed in ASD. Recent successes in gene therapy, particularly through innovative approaches like gene replacement and base editing, offer promising pathways for addressing genetic anomalies in ASD. These therapeutic strategies, underscored by clinical trials and cutting-edge genetic manipulation techniques, pave the way for potential interventions that could profoundly impact ASD management and treatment.

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16. Shekhar H, Aphale P, Dokania S. Constructive appraisal of « retrospective case control study of microcurrent therapy in autism spectrum disorder: Behavioral outcomes and dose-response analysis ». Explore (NY). 2025; 21(4): 103185.

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17. Wu X, Cao T, Ye J, Shi R, Bao X, Ge Y, Li D, Hao S, Liu F, Liu X. Supplementation of 2′-Fucosyllactose during the Growth Period Improves Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring Mice Induced by Maternal Immune Activation. J Agric Food Chem. 2025; 73(20): 12292-307.

Autism spectrum disorder is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder whose early onset significantly affects an individual’s social interactions and cognitive function. Recent research suggests that modulating the gut microbiota could be a potential intervention strategy for autism spectrum disorder symptoms. 2′-Fucosyllactose has been identified as a regulator of gut microbiota homeostasis, however, its effectiveness in addressing autism spectrum disorder remains unclear. In this study, the effects of daily supplementation of 2′-FL in 3-week-old male offspring mice for 5 weeks were examined. The results showed that 2′-fucosyllactose significantly improved autism spectrum disorder-like behavioral deficits. Furthermore, supplementation with 2′-fucosyllactose restored intestinal barrier integrity and increased relative abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium that are closely related to bile acid metabolism. Notably, 2′-fucosyllactose treatment elevated the content of bile acids and upregulated the expression of bile acid receptors in the brain. Co-housing experiments further confirmed the crucial role of gut microbiota in mediating the beneficial effects of 2′-fucosyllactose. Overall, this study suggests that 2′-fucosyllactose could alleviate maternal immune activation-induced behavioral deficits and neuroinflammation through the regulation of the gut-brain axis, offering potential therapeutic value.

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18. Xu X, Tan L, Zhang X. Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid may Alter CD200/CD200R Signaling Pathways in a Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Alpha Psychiatry. 2025; 26(2): 39444.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential toxic effects of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) on microglia-neuron communication in the brain, with a specific focus on the alterations in key molecules involved in this process, namely CX3CL1/CX3CR1 and CD200/CD200R, during the early stages of life in a rat model of autism. METHODS: Pregnant female rats were administered either sterile saline or VPA on embryonic day 12.5. The brains of the rat offspring were collected on postnatal day 30 for analysis. Immunohistochemical techniques and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to assess changes in microglia-neuron crosstalk. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant reduction in CD200 levels within the hippocampus of rats on postnatal day 30 following prenatal exposure to VPA, indicating an impairment in CD200/CD200R signaling. Additionally, there was no observed increase in microglial numbers or any pathological alterations in the hippocampus. Additionally, no significant changes in the levels of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 were noted in the VPA-exposed rats compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Prenatal exposure to VPA resulted in a decrease in CD200 expression within the hippocampus, potentially disrupting the communication between microglia and neurons. The findings suggest that VPA may modify the interactions between microglia and neurons, which could lead to neuroinflammation due to hyperactivated microglia. These disruptions have the potential to affect synaptic connectivity and contribute to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Further research is necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms and implications for pathological conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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19. Zheng R, Huang S, Feng P, Liu S, Jiang M, Li H, Zheng P, Mi Y, Li E. Comprehensive analysis of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in patients with autism spectrum disorder. Front Microbiol. 2025; 16: 1557174.

INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests. Studies have revealed that gut microbiota and their metabolism play important roles in ASD, and become the underlying mechanisms of ASD. METHODS: In this study, we performed long-read 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to comprehensively characterize the profiles of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in 34 ASD patients and 18 healthy controls. The associations between gut microbiota, fecal metabolites and clinical symptoms were analyzed to screen related biomarkers for ASD. RESULTS: The results showed the similarity of the overall microbial richness and diversity between ASD patients and controls, however, some specific bacterial taxa exhibited significant differences, including Klebsiella and Escherichia-Shigella at genera level, and Clostridium-sporogenes, Escherichia-coli-O157H7 and Bacteroides-ovatus at species level. The fecal metabolomics validated that a lot of metabolites had significantly differential levels, including a series of organic acids, amino acids and dopamine. DISCUSSION: The associations of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites might shed new light on the pathogenesis of ASD and help us to understand the importance of gut microbiota as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the development of ASD.

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20. Zheng S, Chen C. Auditory processing deficits in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms, animal models, and therapeutic directions. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2025; 132(6): 781-91.

Auditory processing abnormalities are a prominent feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), significantly affecting sensory integration, communication, and social interaction. This review delves into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these deficits, including structural and functional disruptions in the auditory cortex, imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory signaling, and synaptic dysfunction. Genetic contributions from mutations in CNTNAP2, SHANK3, FMR1, and FOXP2 are explored, highlighting their roles in auditory abnormalities. Animal models, such as BTBR(T+tf/J) mice (BTBR) and valproic acid (VPA)-exposed rodents, provide critical insights into the sensory abnormalities observed in ASD. In addition, the review discusses current pharmacological strategies and emerging interventions targeting neurotransmitter systems and synaptic plasticity. Notably, future directions are emphasized, highlighting the need for integrated pharmacological and auditory-specific therapies to enhance sensory processing and communication outcomes in ASD. Overall, this review aims to bridge the gap between basic neurobiological research and clinical application, guiding future studies and therapeutic developments in ASD-related auditory processing deficits.

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