Molecular mechanisms of exercise intervention in alleviating the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: Targeting the structural alterations of synapse

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.

Automated summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stereotyped behaviors, impaired social and communication skills, and synaptic deficits. Exercise intervention has been shown to improve ASD symptoms by regulating synaptic plasticity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This review highlights the synaptic structural alterations in ASD and the beneficial effects of exercise intervention on ASD symptoms. Moreover, it explores the possible molecular mechanisms of exercise intervention in improving ASD symptoms through regulating synaptic plasticity, which may contribute to optimizing exercise intervention strategies for ASD rehabilitation in the future.