Potential Sex Differences Relative to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Metals.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

This study aims to summarize the current body of literature on the relationship between various toxic metals exposures (i.e., aluminum, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on potential sex differences in these associations.

Recent findings

Sex differences in ASD diagnosis and mutagenic effects of toxic exposures indicate that sex differences may play a major part in the causal relationship of any potential associations seen; however, we were only able to find three studies that reported on sex differences in observed associations with toxic metals exposure and ASD. We also found several studies investigating associations between ASD and metals exposures, including 11

SUBMITTER: Dickerson AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6508872 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature