{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,7]],"date-time":"2026-05-07T11:17:05Z","timestamp":1778152625883,"version":"3.51.4"},"reference-count":53,"publisher":"Springer Science and Business Media LLC","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,7]],"date-time":"2026-05-07T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1778112000000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,7]],"date-time":"2026-05-07T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1778112000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100016981","name":"Necmettin Erbakan University","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100016981","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"crossref"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":["link.springer.com"],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["J Autism Dev Disord"],"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Purpose<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Neurotrophic pathways and hypothalamic\u2013pituitary\u2013adrenal (HPA) axis regulation have been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet peripheral findings\u2014particularly in early childhood\u2014remain inconsistent. We examined peripheral neurotrophic factors and HPA-axis hormones in medication-na\u00efve young children with ASD and evaluated their associations with clinical severity.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>This cross-sectional study included 45 medication-na\u00efve children with ASD (18\u201372 months) and 52 age-matched healthy controls. ASD diagnosis was established per DSM-5, supported by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Morning samples (08:30\u201309:30) were assayed for serum BDNF, GDNF, NT-3, VEGF, cortisol, and plasma ACTH. Group comparisons used ANCOVA adjusted for age, sex, and BMI-for-age z score (BAZ), with Benjamini\u2013Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Within-ASD associations were tested using covariate-adjusted partial Spearman correlations.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>BDNF was significantly lower in ASD than controls and remained significant after covariate adjustment and FDR correction. No between-group differences were observed for GDNF, NT-3, VEGF, ACTH, or cortisol. Within the ASD group, lower BDNF correlated with higher CARS total scores and higher ABC relating, social and self-help, and total scores. No significant correlations were found between neurotrophic factors and ACTH\/cortisol.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Conclusions<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>In medication-na\u00efve children with ASD aged 18\u201372 months, peripheral BDNF is reduced and relates to symptom severity and adaptive\/social difficulties, whereas other neurotrophic factors and basal HPA-axis hormones do not differ from controls. Longitudinal studies incorporating standardized sampling and diurnal\/stress-reactivity indices are needed to clarify developmental dynamics and clinical implications.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1007\/s10803-026-07355-8","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,7]],"date-time":"2026-05-07T11:06:34Z","timestamp":1778151994000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/springer_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Concurrent Assessment of Neurotrophic Factors and HPA-Axis Hormones in Early Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder"],"prefix":"10.1007","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-8611-0435","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Hur\u015fit","family":"Ferahkaya","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-1065-5548","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Ay\u015feg\u00fcl Tu\u011fba Hira","family":"Selen","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0004-2892-4421","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"\u015eeyma","family":"Tezer","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-9712-1874","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"\u00d6mer Faruk","family":"Ak\u00e7a","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-0642-8759","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Abdullah","family":"Akku\u015f","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-7729-7557","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"\u0130brahim","family":"K\u0131l\u0131n\u00e7","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-6917-2327","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Fatma","family":"Co\u015fkun","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"297","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,7]]},"reference":[{"issue":"4","key":"7355_CR1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"688","DOI":"10.1007\/s12031-019-01332-w","volume":"68","author":"L Al-Ayadhi","year":"2019","unstructured":"Al-Ayadhi, L., El-Ansary, A., Bj\u00f8rklund, G., Chirumbolo, S., & Mostafa, G. A. (2019). Impact of Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT) on the Plasma Levels of Human Glial Cell Line\u2013Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 68(4), 688\u2013695. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12031-019-01332-w","journal-title":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience"},{"key":"7355_CR2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.7759\/cureus.70913","author":"S Ali Raja","year":"2024","unstructured":"Ali Raja, S., Batool, A., Sana, M., Khaliq, H. M. H., Choudhry, F., & Devi, D. (2024). Exploring the Mechanisms of Neuronal Protection by Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cureus. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7759\/cureus.70913","journal-title":"Cureus"},{"key":"7355_CR3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1176\/appi.books.9780890425596.744053","author":"American Psychiatric Association","year":"2013","unstructured":"American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. American Psychiatric Publishing. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1176\/appi.books.9780890425596.744053. 5th ed.)..","journal-title":"American Psychiatric Publishing"},{"issue":"5","key":"7355_CR4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1647","DOI":"10.1038\/s41380-020-00868-3","volume":"26","author":"M Andersson","year":"2021","unstructured":"Andersson, M., Tangen, \u00c4., Farde, L., B\u00f6lte, S., Halldin, C., Borg, J., & Lundberg, J. (2021). Serotonin transporter availability in adults with autism\u2014a positron emission tomography study. Molecular Psychiatry, 26(5), 1647\u20131658. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41380-020-00868-3","journal-title":"Molecular Psychiatry"},{"issue":"5","key":"7355_CR5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"949","DOI":"10.1007\/s10571-016-0415-7","volume":"37","author":"R Armeanu","year":"2017","unstructured":"Armeanu, R., Mokkonen, M., & Crespi, B. (2017). Meta-Analysis of BDNF Levels in Autism. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 37(5), 949\u2013954. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10571-016-0415-7","journal-title":"Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"17348","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-020-74239-x","volume":"10","author":"AG Barbosa","year":"2020","unstructured":"Barbosa, A. G., Pratesi, R., Paz, G. S. C., dos Santos, M. A. A. L., Uenishi, R. H., Nakano, E. Y., et al. (2020). Assessment of BDNF serum levels as a diagnostic marker in children with autism spectrum disorder. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 17348. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-020-74239-x","journal-title":"Scientific Reports"},{"key":"7355_CR7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"B\u00e9roule, D. G. (2020). Paradoxical Effects of a Cytokine and an Anticonvulsant Strengthen the Epigenetic\/Enzymatic Avenue for Autism Research. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 14. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fncel.2020.585395","DOI":"10.3389\/fncel.2020.585395"},{"issue":"2","key":"7355_CR8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"325","DOI":"10.1007\/s00787-020-01690-6","volume":"31","author":"A Bilgi\u00e7","year":"2022","unstructured":"Bilgi\u00e7, A., Sertdemir, M., K\u0131l\u0131n\u00e7, \u0130., & Ak\u00e7a, \u00d6. F. (2022). Increased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels are associated with obsessive compulsive disorder in medication\u2013free children. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 31(2), 325\u2013335. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00787-020-01690-6","journal-title":"European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry"},{"key":"7355_CR9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Bov\u00e9, M., Monto, F., Guillem-Llobat, P., Ivorra, M. D., Noguera, M. A., Zambrano, A. (2021). NT3\/TrkC Pathway Modulates the Expression of UCP-1 and Adipocyte Size in Human and Rodent Adipose Tissue. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fendo.2021.630097","DOI":"10.3389\/fendo.2021.630097"},{"issue":"10","key":"7355_CR10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2078","DOI":"10.1002\/aur.2582","volume":"14","author":"H Bozkurt","year":"2021","unstructured":"Bozkurt, H., \u015eim\u015fek, \u015e., & \u015eahin, S. (2021). Elevated levels of cortisol, brain-derived neurotropic factor and tissue plasminogen activator in male children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research, 14(10), 2078\u20132084. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/aur.2582","journal-title":"Autism Research"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"75","DOI":"10.1177\/0748730417693124","volume":"32","author":"SW Cain","year":"2017","unstructured":"Cain, S. W., Chang, A. M., Vlasac, I., Tare, A., Anderson, C., Czeisler, C. A., & Saxena, R. (2017). Circadian Rhythms in Plasma Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Differ in Men and Women. Journal of Biological Rhythms, 32(1), 75\u201382. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0748730417693124","journal-title":"Journal of Biological Rhythms"},{"issue":"4","key":"7355_CR12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"443","DOI":"10.1023\/A:1025019030121","volume":"33","author":"JM \u0106urin","year":"2003","unstructured":"\u0106urin, J. M., Terzi\u0107, J., Petkovi\u0107, Z. B., Zekan, L., Terzi\u0107, I. M., & \u0160u\u0161njara, I. M. (2003). Lower Cortisol and Higher ACTH Levels in Individuals with Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33(4), 443\u2013448. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1023\/A:1025019030121","journal-title":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"},{"issue":"4","key":"7355_CR24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1305","DOI":"10.1073\/pnas.1114122109","volume":"109","author":"F D Jeanneteau","year":"2012","unstructured":"D Jeanneteau, F., M Lambert, W., Ismaili, N., G Bath, K., S Lee, F., J Garabedian, M., & V Chao, M. (2012). BDNF and glucocorticoids regulate corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) homeostasis in the hypothalamus. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(4), 1305\u20131310. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.1114122109","journal-title":"Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences"},{"issue":"05","key":"7355_CR13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"563","DOI":"10.1017\/S1461145709990721","volume":"13","author":"B Elfving","year":"2010","unstructured":"Elfving, B., Plougmann, P. H., M\u00fcller, H. K., Math\u00e9, A. A., Rosenberg, R., & Wegener, G. (2010). Inverse correlation of brain and blood BDNF levels in a genetic rat model of depression. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 13(05), 563\u2013572. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/S1461145709990721","journal-title":"The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology"},{"issue":"3","key":"7355_CR14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"317","DOI":"10.1016\/j.clinbiochem.2009.10.005","volume":"43","author":"E Emanuele","year":"2010","unstructured":"Emanuele, E., Orsi, P., Barale, F., di Nemi, S. U., Bertona, M., & Politi, P. (2010). Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in patients with severe autism. Clinical Biochemistry, 43(3), 317\u2013319. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.clinbiochem.2009.10.005","journal-title":"Clinical Biochemistry"},{"issue":"5","key":"7355_CR15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"433","DOI":"10.1111\/acps.12872","volume":"137","author":"K Francis","year":"2018","unstructured":"Francis, K., Dougali, A., Sideri, K., Kroupis, C., Vasdekis, V., Dima, K., & Douzenis, A. (2018). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with ASD and their parents: a 3-year follow-up. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 137(5), 433\u2013441. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/acps.12872","journal-title":"Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica"},{"key":"7355_CR16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Gao, J., Zou, J., Yang, L., Zhao, J., Wang, L., Liu, T., & Fan, X. (2022). Alteration of peripheral cortisol and autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpsyt.2022.928188","DOI":"10.3389\/fpsyt.2022.928188"},{"key":"7355_CR17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"214","DOI":"10.1016\/j.neuroscience.2012.08.034","volume":"239","author":"JD Gray","year":"2013","unstructured":"Gray, J. D., Milner, T. A., & McEwen, B. S. (2013). Dynamic plasticity: The role of glucocorticoids, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and other trophic factors. Neuroscience, 239, 214\u2013227. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuroscience.2012.08.034","journal-title":"Neuroscience"},{"issue":"10","key":"7355_CR18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3854","DOI":"10.1007\/s10803-023-06089-1","volume":"54","author":"G Guldiken","year":"2024","unstructured":"Guldiken, G., Karayagmurlu, A., Kucukgergin, C., & Coskun, M. (2024). VEGF, IGF-1 and FGF-2 Serum Levels in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without Bipolar Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(10), 3854\u20133862. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10803-023-06089-1","journal-title":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"71","DOI":"10.1186\/1824-7288-36-71","volume":"36","author":"RT Hamza","year":"2010","unstructured":"Hamza, R. T., Hewedi, D. H., & Ismail, M. A. (2010). Basal and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulated Plasma Cortisol Levels Among Egyptian Autistic Children: Relation to Disease Severity. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 36(1), 71. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/1824-7288-36-71","journal-title":"Italian Journal of Pediatrics"},{"issue":"4","key":"7355_CR20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"460","DOI":"10.3390\/brainsci12040460","volume":"12","author":"YMY Han","year":"2022","unstructured":"Han, Y. M. Y., Yau, S. Y., Chan, M. M. Y., Wong, C. K., & Chan, A. S. (2022). Altered Cytokine and BDNF Levels in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sciences, 12(4), 460. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/brainsci12040460","journal-title":"Brain Sciences"},{"issue":"5","key":"7355_CR21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"467","DOI":"10.1001\/archgenpsychiatry.2011.39","volume":"68","author":"HC Hazlett","year":"2011","unstructured":"Hazlett, H. C., Poe, M. D., Gerig, G., Styner, M., Chappell, C., Smith, R. G., et al. (2011). Early brain overgrowth in autism associated with an increase in cortical surface area before age 2 years. Archives of general psychiatry, 68(5), 467\u2013476. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/archgenpsychiatry.2011.39","journal-title":"Archives of general psychiatry"},{"key":"7355_CR22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Ilchibaeva, T., Tsybko, A., Lipnitskaya, M., Eremin, D., Milutinovich, K., Naumenko, V., & Popova, N. (2023). Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Mechanisms of Autistic-like Behavior in BTBR Mice: Crosstalk with the Dopaminergic Brain System. Biomedicines, 11(5). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/biomedicines11051482","DOI":"10.3390\/biomedicines11051482"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"16","DOI":"10.1186\/2040-2392-2-16","volume":"2","author":"K Iwata","year":"2011","unstructured":"Iwata, K., Matsuzaki, H., Miyachi, T., Shimmura, C., Suda, S., Tsuchiya, K. J., et al. (2011). Investigation of the serum levels of anterior pituitary hormones in male children with autism. Molecular Autism, 2(1), 16. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/2040-2392-2-16","journal-title":"Molecular Autism"},{"key":"7355_CR25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Kasarpalkar, N. J., Kothari, S. T., & Dave, U. P. (2014). Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Annals of Neurosciences, 21(4). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5214\/ans.0972.7531.210403","DOI":"10.5214\/ans.0972.7531.210403"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"64","DOI":"10.1186\/s13041-014-0064-z","volume":"7","author":"JY Koh","year":"2014","unstructured":"Koh, J. Y., Lim, J. S., Byun, H. R., & Yoo, M. H. (2014). Abnormalities in the zinc-metalloprotease-BDNF axis may contribute to megalencephaly and cortical hyperconnectivity in young autism spectrum disorder patients. Molecular Brain, 7(1), 64. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s13041-014-0064-z","journal-title":"Molecular Brain"},{"issue":"July","key":"7355_CR27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"101688","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jchemneu.2019.101688","volume":"102","author":"A Kumar","year":"2019","unstructured":"Kumar, A., Kumar, P., Pareek, V., Faiq, M. A., Narayan, R. K., Raza, K., et al. (2019). Neurotrophin mediated HPA axis dysregulation in stress induced genesis of psychiatric disorders: Orchestration by epigenetic modifications. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, 102(July), 101688. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jchemneu.2019.101688","journal-title":"Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy"},{"issue":"5","key":"7355_CR28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"447","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1440-1819.2010.02135.x","volume":"64","author":"H Kunugi","year":"2010","unstructured":"Kunugi, H., Hori, H., Adachi, N., & Numakawa, T. (2010). Interface between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in depression. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 64(5), 447\u2013459. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1440-1819.2010.02135.x","journal-title":"Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"15","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-020-79080-w","volume":"11","author":"SH Liu","year":"2021","unstructured":"Liu, S. H., Shi, X. J., Fan, F. C., & Cheng, Y. (2021). Peripheral blood neurotrophic factor levels in children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 15. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-020-79080-w","journal-title":"Scientific Reports"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"210","DOI":"10.3390\/biomedicines12010210","volume":"12","author":"Y Luo","year":"2024","unstructured":"Luo, Y., & Wang, Z. (2024). The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism. Biomedicines, 12(1), 210. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/biomedicines12010210","journal-title":"Biomedicines"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"147","DOI":"10.1007\/s00441-020-03227-4","volume":"382","author":"AK Mahato","year":"2020","unstructured":"Mahato, A. K., & Sidorova, Y. A. (2020). Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors (GFLs) and small molecules targeting RET receptor for the treatment of pain and Parkinson\u2019s disease. Cell and Tissue Research, 382(1), 147\u2013160. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00441-020-03227-4","journal-title":"Cell and Tissue Research"},{"key":"7355_CR32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Maniam, J., Antoniadis, C., & Morris, M. J. (2014). Early-Life Stress, HPA Axis Adaptation, and Mechanisms Contributing to Later Health Outcomes. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 5. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fendo.2014.00073","DOI":"10.3389\/fendo.2014.00073"},{"issue":"2","key":"7355_CR33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1167","DOI":"10.1007\/s12035-016-9721-9","volume":"54","author":"WD Meng","year":"2017","unstructured":"Meng, W. D., Sun, S. J., Yang, J., Chu, R. X., Tu, W., & Liu, Q. (2017). Elevated Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) but not BDNF Gene Val66Met Polymorphism Is Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Molecular Neurobiology, 54(2), 1167\u20131172. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12035-016-9721-9","journal-title":"Molecular Neurobiology"},{"issue":"3","key":"7355_CR34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"308","DOI":"10.1134\/S0006297917030099","volume":"82","author":"NK Popova","year":"2017","unstructured":"Popova, N. K., Ilchibaeva, T. V., & Naumenko, V. S. (2017). Neurotrophic factors (BDNF and GDNF) and the serotonergic system of the brain. Biochemistry (Moscow), 82(3), 308\u2013317. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1134\/S0006297917030099","journal-title":"Biochemistry (Moscow)"},{"issue":"5","key":"7355_CR36","first-page":"380","volume":"35","author":"D Rodrigues","year":"2014","unstructured":"Rodrigues, D., Rocha, N., Sousa, L., Barbosa, I., Kummer, A., & Teixeira, A. (2014). Circulating levels of neurotrophic factors in autism spectrum disorders. Neuro endocrinology letters, 35(5), 380\u2013384.","journal-title":"Neuro endocrinology letters"},{"issue":"35","key":"7355_CR37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"11036","DOI":"10.1523\/JNEUROSCI.23-35-11036.2003","volume":"23","author":"JM Rosenstein","year":"2003","unstructured":"Rosenstein, J. M., Mani, N., Khaibullina, A., & Krum, J. M. (2003). Neurotrophic Effects of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Organotypic Cortical Explants and Primary Cortical Neurons. The Journal of Neuroscience, 23(35), 11036\u201311044. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1523\/JNEUROSCI.23-35-11036.2003","journal-title":"The Journal of Neuroscience"},{"issue":"4","key":"7355_CR38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1018","DOI":"10.1007\/s10803-016-3024-x","volume":"47","author":"A Saghazadeh","year":"2017","unstructured":"Saghazadeh, A., & Rezaei, N. (2017). Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(4), 1018\u20131029. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10803-016-3024-x","journal-title":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"43","DOI":"10.1007\/s12311-010-0223-4","volume":"10","author":"EM Sajdel-Sulkowska","year":"2011","unstructured":"Sajdel-Sulkowska, E. M., Xu, M., McGinnis, W., & Koibuchi, N. (2011). Brain Region-Specific Changes in Oxidative Stress and Neurotrophin Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The Cerebellum, 10(1), 43\u201348. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12311-010-0223-4","journal-title":"The Cerebellum"},{"key":"7355_CR35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Sakrani, R. A. Rana Zargham Asif, & Syed Ali Wijdan. (2025). Interactions between circulating inflammatory factors and autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 75(05), 860\u2013861. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.47391\/JPMA.21331","DOI":"10.47391\/JPMA.21331"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"47","DOI":"10.3390\/cells12010047","volume":"12","author":"C Severini","year":"2022","unstructured":"Severini, C. (2022). Neurotrophic Factors in Health and Disease. Cells, 12(1), 47. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/cells12010047","journal-title":"Cells"},{"issue":"10","key":"7355_CR41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3564","DOI":"10.1007\/s10803-020-04820-w","volume":"51","author":"F \u015eim\u015fek","year":"2021","unstructured":"\u015eim\u015fek, F., I\u015f\u0131k, \u00dc., Aktepe, E., K\u0131l\u0131\u00e7, F., \u015eirin, F. B., & Bozkurt, M. (2021). Comparison of Serum VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1\u03b1 Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Healthy Controls. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(10), 3564\u20133574. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10803-020-04820-w","journal-title":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"252","DOI":"10.1038\/s41398-019-0587-2","volume":"9","author":"K Skogstrand","year":"2019","unstructured":"Skogstrand, K., Hagen, C. M., Borbye-Lorenzen, N., Christiansen, M., Bybjerg-Grauholm, J., B\u00e6kvad-Hansen, M., et al. (2019). Reduced neonatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with autism spectrum disorders. Translational Psychiatry, 9(1), 252. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41398-019-0587-2","journal-title":"Translational Psychiatry"},{"issue":"4","key":"7355_CR43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1607","DOI":"10.3390\/ijms26041607","volume":"26","author":"G Spoto","year":"2025","unstructured":"Spoto, G., Butera, A., Albertini, M. L., Consoli, C., Ceraolo, G., Nicotera, A. G., Rosa, G., & Di (2025). The Ambiguous Role of Growth Factors in Autism: What Do We Really Know? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(4), 1607. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijms26041607","journal-title":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences"},{"issue":"21","key":"7355_CR44","first-page":"117","volume":"4","author":"B Sucuo\u011flu","year":"1996","unstructured":"Sucuo\u011flu, B., & \u00d6ktem, F., G. B (1996). Otistik \u00e7ocuklar\u0131n de\u011ferlendirilmesinde kullan\u0131lan \u00f6l\u00e7eklere ili\u015fkin bir \u00e7al\u0131\u015fma. Psikiyatr Psikoloji Psikofarmakol, 4(21), 117.","journal-title":"Psikiyatr Psikoloji Psikofarmakol"},{"issue":"9","key":"7355_CR45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1117","DOI":"10.1007\/s00702-014-1162-x","volume":"121","author":"R Taurines","year":"2014","unstructured":"Taurines, R., Segura, M., Schecklmann, M., Albantakis, L., Gr\u00fcnblatt, E., Walitza, S., et al. (2014). Altered peripheral BDNF mRNA expression and BDNF protein concentrations in blood of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Neural Transmission, 121(9), 1117\u20131128. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00702-014-1162-x","journal-title":"Journal of Neural Transmission"},{"key":"7355_CR46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"207","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2014.07.015","volume":"49","author":"JL Taylor","year":"2014","unstructured":"Taylor, J. L., & Corbett, B. A. (2014). A review of rhythm and responsiveness of cortisol in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 49, 207\u2013228. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2014.07.015","journal-title":"Psychoneuroendocrinology"},{"issue":"06","key":"7355_CR47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"241","DOI":"10.1055\/s-0032-1301914","volume":"45","author":"MHF Tostes","year":"2012","unstructured":"Tostes, M. H. F., Teixeira, H., Gattaz, W., Brand\u00e3o, M. A., & Raposo, N. R. (2012). Altered Neurotrophin, Neuropeptide, Cytokines and Nitric Oxide Levels in Autism. Pharmacopsychiatry, 45(06), 241\u2013243. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1055\/s-0032-1301914","journal-title":"Pharmacopsychiatry"},{"key":"7355_CR48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"102039","DOI":"10.1016\/j.rasd.2022.102039","volume":"98","author":"K van der Linden","year":"2022","unstructured":"van der Linden, K., Simons, C., van Amelsvoort, T., & Marcelis, M. (2022). Emotional stress, cortisol response, and cortisol rhythm in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 98, 102039. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rasd.2022.102039","journal-title":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders"},{"issue":"2","key":"7355_CR49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"157","DOI":"10.1053\/rvsc.2001.0456","volume":"70","author":"S Vellucci","year":"2001","unstructured":"Vellucci, S., Parrott, R., & Mimmack, M. (2001). Down-regulation of BDNF mRNA, with no effect on trkB or glucocorticoid receptor mRNAS, in the porcine hippocampus after acute dexamethasone treatment. Research in Veterinary Science, 70(2), 157\u2013162. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1053\/rvsc.2001.0456","journal-title":"Research in Veterinary Science"},{"key":"7355_CR50","unstructured":"World Health Organization (2012). WHO Child Growth Standards: BMI-for-age (z-scores and percentiles). https:\/\/www.who.int\/toolkits\/child-growth-standards\/standards\/body-mass-index-for-age-bmi-for-age?utm_source"},{"key":"7355_CR51","first-page":"13","volume":"14","author":"T Yilmaz-Irmak","year":"2007","unstructured":"Yilmaz-Irmak, T., & Aydin, A., S. O (2007). An investigation of validity andreliability of autism behavior checklist (ABC). Turkish J ChildAdolesc Ment Heal, 14, 13\u201323.","journal-title":"Turkish J ChildAdolesc Ment Heal"},{"issue":"4","key":"7355_CR52","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"E218","DOI":"10.1503\/jpn.250087","volume":"50","author":"X Zhang","year":"2025","unstructured":"Zhang, X., Fu, C., Wang, M., Feng, D., Wang, H., Li, H., et al. (2025). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative stress in autism: evidence from children and a mouse model. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 50(4), E218\u2013E233. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1503\/jpn.250087","journal-title":"Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience"},{"issue":"1","key":"7355_CR53","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"31241","DOI":"10.1038\/srep31241","volume":"6","author":"Z Zheng","year":"2016","unstructured":"Zheng, Z., Zhang, L., Zhu, T., Huang, J., Qu, Y., & Mu, D. (2016). Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 31241. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/srep31241","journal-title":"Scientific Reports"}],"container-title":["Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/content\/pdf\/10.1007\/s10803-026-07355-8.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s10803-026-07355-8","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/content\/pdf\/10.1007\/s10803-026-07355-8.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,7]],"date-time":"2026-05-07T11:06:37Z","timestamp":1778151997000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/10.1007\/s10803-026-07355-8"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,7]]},"references-count":53,"alternative-id":["7355"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10803-026-07355-8","relation":{},"ISSN":["0162-3257","1573-3432"],"issn-type":[{"value":"0162-3257","type":"print"},{"value":"1573-3432","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,7]]},"assertion":[{"value":"16 January 2026","order":1,"name":"received","label":"Received","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"21 April 2026","order":2,"name":"accepted","label":"Accepted","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"7 May 2026","order":3,"name":"first_online","label":"First Online","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"order":1,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}},{"value":"The authors declared no potential competing interests concerning the research, authorship, and\/or publication of this article.","order":2,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Conflict of Interest"}},{"value":"Ethics committee approval was obtained from Necmettin Erbakan University Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2024\/5248) and all procedures were in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and local laws and regulations. Written and verbal consent was obtained from parents\/legal guardians.","order":3,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Ethical Approval"}}]}}