Zong Wenhao, Lu Xiaowen, Dong Guijun, Zhang Li, Li Kefeng
School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Department of Sports, Quzhou University, Quzhou, China.
Front Psychiatry. 2023 Mar 31;14:1096503. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1096503. eCollection 2023.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stereotyped behaviors, specific interests, and impaired social and communication skills. Synapses are fundamental structures for transmitting information between neurons. It has been reported that synaptic deficits, such as the increased or decreased density of synapses, may contribute to the onset of ASD, which affects the synaptic function and neuronal circuits. Therefore, targeting the recovery of the synaptic normal structure and function may be a promising therapeutic strategy to alleviate ASD symptoms. Exercise intervention has been shown to regulate the structural plasticity of synapses and improve ASD symptoms, but the underlying molecular mechanisms require further exploration. In this review, we highlight the characteristics of synaptic structural alterations in the context of ASD and the beneficial effects of an exercise intervention on improving ASD symptoms. Finally, we explore the possible molecular mechanisms of improving ASD symptoms through exercise intervention from the perspective of regulating synaptic structural plasticity, which contributes to further optimizing the related strategies of exercise intervention promoting ASD rehabilitation in future.
自闭症谱系障碍(ASD)是一种复杂的异质性神经发育障碍,其特征为刻板行为、特定兴趣以及社交和沟通技能受损。突触是神经元之间传递信息的基本结构。据报道,突触缺陷,如突触密度的增加或减少,可能导致ASD的发病,这会影响突触功能和神经回路。因此,针对恢复突触的正常结构和功能可能是缓解ASD症状的一种有前景的治疗策略。运动干预已被证明可调节突触的结构可塑性并改善ASD症状,但其潜在的分子机制仍需进一步探索。在本综述中,我们强调了ASD背景下突触结构改变的特征以及运动干预对改善ASD症状的有益作用。最后,我们从调节突触结构可塑性的角度探讨了通过运动干预改善ASD症状的可能分子机制,这有助于未来进一步优化促进ASD康复的运动干预相关策略。