Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
5th International Health Science and Life Congress, Burdur, Türkiye, 10 - 12 Mart 2022, ss.303
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by
cognitive disability, repetitive behaviors, limited social communication and interaction. The
prevalence of ASD is approximately 1% in the world, and it is four times more common in boys
than girls. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to affect the cause etiology of ASD.
Studies recently have focused on Bisphenol-A, which is one of the environmental factors
thought to be effective in the cause of ASD. Bisphenol-A is an endocrine disrupting chemical
used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are raw materials in
food and beverage packaging materials. It is mainly used in the production of interior surface
coatings of food and beverage containers, food containers, water bottles, medical devices, some
dental sealants and fillings, detergents, soaps, lotions, shampoos, air conditioners, nail polishes
and other objects that need to be made of durable materials. Bisphenol-A exposure in humans
occurs through the consumption of contaminated food and beverages. Bisphenol-A exposure
has increased the risk of developing ASD in genetically predisposed individuals. Studies have
shown that neuronal density and vitality decrease in the hippocampus in children of mothers
with high exposure to Bisphenol-A during pregnancy. However, exposure to Bisphenol-A in
childhood has been associated with learning, behavior and memory disorders. In animal studies,
Bisphenol-A may cause changes in the expression of candidate genes (AR, ESR1 and RORA)
that play a role in the pathogenesis and pathology of ASD. Although bisphenol-A exposure is
thought to be related to the diagnostic and behavioral features of ASD, its mechanism of action
has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, well-designed clinical studies are needed to evaluate
the effects of endocrine disruptors on neurodevelopmental disorders.