Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a pathogenesis that is not completely understood. Although a genetic origin has been recognized, a potential role for environmental factors, immune dysfunctions, and variations of hormonal levels was suggested. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone which can stimulate growth hormone (GH) release by activating GH secretagogue receptor. In addition, ghrelin exerts neuroprotective effects, inhibits apoptosis in hypothalamic neuron...