Testosterone and Androgen Receptor Sensitivity in Relation to Hyperactivity Symptoms in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) and hyperactivity symptoms exhibit an incidence that is male-biased. Thus androgen activity can be considered a plausible biological risk factor for these disorders. However, there is insufficient information about the association between increased androgen activity and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ASD.MethodsIn the present study, the relationship between parameters of androgenicity (plasmatic testosterone levels and androgen receptor sensitivity) and hyperactivity in 60 boys (age 3–15) with ASD is investigated. Given well documented differences in parent and trained examiners ratings of symptom severity, we employed a standardized parent`s questionnaire (Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form) as well as a direct examiner`s rating (Autism diagnostic observation schedule) for assessment of hyperactivity symptoms.ResultsAlthough it was found there was no significant association between actual plasmatic testosterone levels and hyperactivity symptoms, the number of CAG triplets was significantly negatively correlated with hyperactivity symptoms (R2 = 0.118, p = 0.007) in the sample, indicating increased androgen receptor sensitivity in association with hyperactivity symptoms. Direct trained examiner´s assessment appeared to be a relevant method for evaluating of behavioral problems in the investigation of biological underpinnings of these problems in our study.ConclusionsA potential ASD subtype characterized by increased rates of hyperactivity symptoms might have distinct etiopathogenesis and require a specific behavioral and pharmacological approach. We propose an increase of androgen receptor sensitivity as a biomarker for a specific ASD subtype accompanied with hyperactivity symptoms. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for practice and future research.

Neuropathology and Neuroendocrine Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…In ASD, systemizing is overdeveloped and empathizing is underdeveloped. ASD boys were shown to have lower ratio second digit (index finger) to fourth digit (ring finger) than normal [9,10]. It revealed higher levels of prenatal testosterone exposure that would increase ASD risk later in childhood life [9].…”

“…Hyperactivity symptoms in ASD are enhanced by increased prenatal testosterone effects. This will increase androgen receptor sensitivity [9].…”

“…ASD children had a decrease in morning cortisol and higher psychological measures of stress and sensory functioning. For this reason, an ASD patient should have a consistency in their daily routines and environment condition [9]. There are many other benefits to routine, but this can alleviate stress and stereotyped behaviors due to expectations being set and their insistence on sameness (IOS) [14].…”

“…The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene is located at the 3p25 region. There is a single nucleotide polymorphism of OXTR in children and adolescents with ASD [9].…”

“…They also had improvement in emotion recognition and repetitive behavior when they were given systemic oxytocin. However, larger cohort studies are needed to establish this result [9]. Factor-1 (IGF-1) Hyperinsulinemia in the prenatal period might lead to an alteration in brain development and regulation.…”