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Emerging drugs for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorders, or pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), are neurodevelopmental disorders defined by qualitative impairment in social interaction, impaired communication and stereotyped patterns of behavior. The most common forms of PDD are autistic disorder (autism), Asperger's disorder and PDD not otherwise specified. Recent surveillance studies reveal an increase in the prevalence of autism and related PDDs. The use of pharmacologic agents in the treatment of these disorders can reduce the impact of interfering symptoms, providing relief for affected individuals and their families.This review examines results from neurobiologic research in an attempt to both elucidate the pathophysiology of autism and guide the development of pharmacologic agents for the treatment of associated symptoms. The safety and efficacy data of drugs currently in clinical use for the treatment of these symptoms, as well as pharmaceuticals currently under development, are discussed.This comprehensive review will deepen the reader's current understanding of the research guiding the pharmacologic treatment of symptoms associated with autism and related PDDs. Areas of focus for future research are also discussed. The need for large-scale investigation of some commonly used pharmacologic agents, in addition to the development of drugs with improved efficacy and safety profiles, is made evident.Despite progress in the development of pharmacologic treatments for a number of interfering symptom domains associated with autism and other PDDs, a great deal of work remains.

SUBMITTER: Wink LK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2923687 | biostudies-other | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Emerging drugs for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders.

Wink Logan K LK Plawecki Martin H MH Erickson Craig A CA Stigler Kimberly A KA McDougle Christopher J CJ

Expert opinion on emerging drugs 20100901 3

<h4>Importance of the field</h4>Autism spectrum disorders, or pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), are neurodevelopmental disorders defined by qualitative impairment in social interaction, impaired communication and stereotyped patterns of behavior. The most common forms of PDD are autistic disorder (autism), Asperger's disorder and PDD not otherwise specified. Recent surveillance studies reveal an increase in the prevalence of autism and related PDDs. The use of pharmacologic agents in the ...[more]

PMID: 20470188

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Project description:Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by communication and social interaction deficits, and by restricted interests and stereotyped, repetitive behavior patterns. ASD has a strong genetic component and a complex architecture characterized by the interplay of rare and common genetic variants. Recently, increasing evidence suggest a significant contribution of immune system dysregulation in ASD. The present paper reviews the latest updates regarding the altered immune landscape of this complex disorder highlighting areas with potential for biomarkers discovery as well as personalization of therapeutic approaches. Cross-talk between the central nervous system and immune system has long been envisaged and recent evidence brings insights into the pathways connecting the brain to the immune system. Disturbance of cytokine levels plays an important role in the establishment of a neuroinflammatory milieu in ASD. Several other immune molecules involved in antigen presentation and inflammatory cellular phenotypes are also at play in ASD. Maternal immune activation, the presence of brain-reactive antibodies and autoimmunity are other potential prenatal and postnatal contributors to ASD pathophysiology. The molecular players involved in oxidative-stress response and mitochondrial system function, are discussed as contributors to the pro-inflammatory pattern. The gastrointestinal inflammation pathways proposed to play a role in ASD are also discussed. Moreover, the body of evidence regarding some of the genetic factors linked to the immune system dysregulation is reviewed and discussed. Last, but not least, the epigenetic traits and their interactions with the immune system are reviewed as an expanding field in ASD research. Understanding the immune-mediated pathways that influence brain development and function, metabolism, and intestinal homeostasis, may lead to the identification of robust diagnostic or predictive biomarkers for ASD individuals. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches could be developed, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life.

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Emerging drugs for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders.

Publications

Emerging drugs for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders.

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