“This drug increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder in pregnant women.”

2023-08-17

A domestic research team has identified environmental factors that affect the mechanism of occurrence of autism spectrum disorder.

On the 17th, Professor Kim Min-sik's team from the Department of New Biology at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) announced these results through joint research with Professor Lee Yong-seok of Seoul National University, Professor Ahn Jun-yong of Korea University, and Professor Shin Chan-young of Konkuk University.

The results of this research were published in ‘Experimental Molecular Medicine’ on the 1st, and the research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs in early childhood and is a disease that causes problems with social communication and interaction, limits behavior patterns, interests, and scope of activities, and exhibits repetitive behavioral characteristics.

It is known that the development of autism spectrum disorder is caused by not only genetic factors but also various environmental factors, such as severe infections during pregnancy or exposure to certain drugs.

According to some studies, it is a relatively common disease, with 1 in 50 to 60 young children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Previous research by Professor Shin Chan-young's team at Konkuk University showed that, in particular, the drug 'valproic acid' can affect the brain development of the fetus when used during pregnancy and may be a cause of autism spectrum disorder.

The risk of autism spectrum disorder was found to be increased in fetuses exposed to valproic acid, a treatment for bipolar depression and epilepsy. However, this research has not yet been conducted, making it difficult to develop therapeutic drugs.

“Valproic acid drug side effects, mechanism causing autism discovered”

Accordingly, Professor Kim's team conducted a multi-omics analysis with Professor Ahn's team using the valproate-treated mouse model developed by Professor Shin's team.

As a result, we observed an increase in the expression of the Rnf146 gene, which affects autism spectrum disorders, in the prefrontal cortex of autism model mice due to side effects of valproic acid medication. In addition, in collaboration with Professor Lee's team, we observed autistic behavior patterns using the Rnf146 expression model.

Accordingly, it was discovered that the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission was broken in the frontal lobe of the mouse model.

Professor Lee Yong-seok said, “This is a phenomenon commonly found in other autism models, and this study contributes to uncovering the common causes that cause autism.”

Professor Minsik Kim said, “We will continue to conduct multi-omics analysis of various developmental disability models and comprehensive research on model organisms through multi-institutional joint research to identify the core network of autism spectrum disorder and discover treatment targets.” .

Meanwhile, the research results are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms related to autism spectrum disorder and further help develop early diagnosis and treatment methods for autism spectrum disorder.

Reporter Kim Chae-hyeon

https://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20230817500123&wlog_tag3=naver

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