The role of cholesterol metabolism and various steroid abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: A hypothesis paper

Gillberg, C. , Fernell, E., Kočovská, E., Minnis, H. , Bourgeron, T., Thompson, L. and Allely, C. S. (2017) The role of cholesterol metabolism and various steroid abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: A hypothesis paper. Autism Research, 10(6), pp. 1022-1044. (doi: 10.1002/aur.1777) (PMID:28401679)

Abstract

Based on evidence from the relevant research literature, we present a hypothesis that there may be a link between cholesterol, vitamin D, and steroid hormones which subsequently impacts on the development of at least some of the “autisms” [Coleman & Gillberg]. Our hypothesis, driven by the peer reviewed literature, posits that there may be links between cholesterol metabolism, which we will refer to as “steroid metabolism” and findings of steroid abnormalities of various kinds (cortisol, testosterone, estrogens, progesterone, vitamin D) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Further research investigating these potential links is warranted to further our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying ASD.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Allely, Professor Clare and Minnis, Professor Helen and Kocovska, Mrs Eva and Thompson, Dr Lucy and Gillberg, Professor Christopher
• Authors: Gillberg, C., Fernell, E., Kočovská, E., Minnis, H., Bourgeron, T., Thompson, L., and Allely, C. S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Autism Research
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1939-3792
• ISSN (Online): 1939-3806
• Published Online: 12 April 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Autism Research 10(6): 1022-1044
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License