title: Could acupuncture have a role in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder via modulation of BDNF expression and activation?
abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by early-onset difficulties in social communication and unusually restricted repetitive behaviour and interests. Multiple lines of evidence directly or indirectly suggest an involvement in autism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a pivotal role in the development and plasticity of the brain. Recent studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of acupuncture-induced activation of BDNF in many neurological disorders. In view of these findings, we hypothesise the potential therapeutic effect of acupuncture-induced activation of BDNF in the treatment of ASD.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
authors.forename: Li-Ya
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
authors.forename: Nan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
keywords: ACUPUNCTURE; NEUROPHYSIOLOGY; PSYCHOLOGY