Vitamin D, neurosteroids and autism.

摘要

Vitamin D had been for a long time investigated for its effects onbone metabolism. Recently has been observed that the incidenceof some neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism)increases hand in hand with vitamin D deficiency. Indeed,vitamin D was reported to modulate the biosynthesis ofneurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors; moreover, itsreceptor was found in the central nervous system. Vitamin Ddeficiency was therefore assessed as a risk factor for autism,however the biological mechanism has not yet been revealed.In our review we focused on potential connections amongvitamin D, steroids and autism. Potential mechanisms ofvitamin D action are also discussed.