Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders: Exercise as a “pharmacological” tool

• Published in: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews Vol. 129; pp. 63 - 74
• Main Authors: Toscano, Chrystiane V.A., Barros, Leonardo, Lima, Ahlan B., Nunes, Thiago, Carvalho, Humberto M., Gaspar, Joana M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2021
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders; Cytokines; Exercise; Metabolic disorders; Microglia; Neuroinflammation; Autism spectrum disorders; Neuroinflammation; Exercise; Cytokines; Metabolic disorders; Microglia
• ISSN: 0149-7634; 1873-7528; 1873-7528
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.023

•Neuroinflammation is involved in the etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder.•Microglia activation is detected in postmortem samples of ASD subjects.•Maternal immune activation induces the development of autism spectrum disorder.•Exercise improves autism symptomatology and associated comorbidities.•Structured and personalized exercise should be used to managed ASD symptoms. The worldwide prevalence of ASD is around 1%. Although the pathogenesis of ASD is not entirely understood, it is recognized that a combination of genetic, epigenetics, environmental factors and immune system dysfunction can play an essential role in its development. It has been suggested that autism results from the central nervous system derangements due to low-grade chronic inflammatory reactions associated with the immune system activation. ASD individuals have increased microglial activation, density, and increased proinflammatory cytokines in the several brain regions. Autism has no available pharmacological treatments, however there are pedagogical and psychotherapeutic therapies, and pharmacological treatment, that help to control behavioral symptoms. Recent data indicate that exercise intervention programs may improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Exercise can also modify inflammatory profiles that will ameliorate associated metabolic disorders. This review highlights the involvement of neuroinflammation in ASD and the beneficial effects of physical exercise on managing ASD symptoms and associated comorbidities.