The Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM) has launched an initiative to highlight Ukrainian biomedical research and to coordinate related international scientific communications in correspondence with the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU). The initiative will publish concise, factual “Ukrainian Research Spotlight” summaries of newly published papers with Ukrainian researchers, with consistent institutional attribution and emphasis on Ukrainian scientific leadership where applicable.

CONEM has maintained an ongoing scholarly collaboration with researchers in Ukraine for several years. A PubMed search performed on February 2, 2026, returned 51 indexed papers. All of these papers were published in collaboration with Geir Bjørklund, founder and president of CONEM.

In an email dated December 15, 2025, Dr. Anatolii Myronchuk, Head of the International Relations Department at NASU, wrote that CONEM’s active collaboration with scientists in pharmacy-related disciplines, including pharmacology and pharmacognosy, as well as related biomedical fields in Ukraine, was gratifying. He added that the information would be useful to the Academy’s relevant scientific departments and research institutes.

Uzbekistan is seeking to strengthen research cooperation with Norway. According to UzDaily, this was discussed in Tashkent on May 21, 2025, at a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norway’s Ambassador, John Mikala Kvistad. The discussion highlighted the Nordic experience and the potential to support joint scientific initiatives (1).

This dialogue is part of a broader set of initiatives to expand Uzbekistan’s participation in European research and education programs. In December 2025, Uzbekistan and the European Union held a conference in Tashkent to increase participation in Horizon Europe (research) and Erasmus+ (education and academic exchange) (2).  On December 3, 2025, UNESCO and the European Union inaugurated a modernized regional training center in Samarkand designed to strengthen training capacity and support education- and skills-oriented collaboration (3).

Existing academic ties involving the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM) align with these priorities. Geir Bjørklund, founder and president of CONEM, was appointed an honorary professor at Samarkand State Medical University (SamSMU) in 2023 (4). Founded in 1930, SamSMU is a long-established institution for medical education and research  (5). A CONEM research group has the last years been affiliated with SamSMU.

The December 2025 initiatives provide timely context for the Norway–Uzbekistan dialogue and for ongoing academic collaboration involving SamSMU and CONEM (2–3).

References

1. UzDaily. May 22, 2025. Advisor to Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister meets with Norwegian Ambassador. Accessed December 28, 2025. https://www.uzdaily.uz/en/advisor-to-uzbekistans-foreign-minister-meets-with-norwegian-ambassador/

2. Dunyo IA (Information Agency of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs). December 13, 2025. Uzbekistan and the European Union strengthen scientific and innovative cooperation. Accessed December 28, 2025. https://dunyo.info/en/news/uzbekistan-i-evrosoyuz-ukreplyayut-nauchnoe-i-innovacionnoe-sotrudnichestvo

3. UNESCO. December 24, 2025. UNESCO and the European Union inaugurate the newly modernized Samarkand Regional Training Center in Uzbekistan. Accessed December 28, 2025. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-european-union-inaugurate-newly-modernized-samarkand-regional-training-center-uzbekistan

4. Samarkand State Medical University. Geir Bjorklund. Accessed December 28, 2025. https://www.sammu.uz/en/pages/honorary_professors_geir_bjorklund

5. Samarkand State Medical University. General information about the university. Accessed December 28, 2025. https://www.sammu.uz/en/pages/information

]]> http://www.conem.org/2025/12/uzbekistan-seeks-closer-research-cooperation-with-norway-and-conem/feed/ 0 13026 http://www.conem.org/2025/01/mdpis-special-issues-model-ethical-concerns-and-threats-to-academic-integrity/ http://www.conem.org/2025/01/mdpis-special-issues-model-ethical-concerns-and-threats-to-academic-integrity/#respond Fri, 03 Jan 2025 13:27:11 +0000 https://www.conem.org/?p=12999

The open-access publishing model has transformed scientific communication but has also revealed vulnerabilities in editorial practices and peer review processes. MDPI, one of the largest open-access publishers, has become a focal point of criticism for its reliance on special issues, a model many argue prioritizes profit over rigor. These practices raise serious ethical and quality concerns that undermine trust in academic publishing and place undue pressure on researchers and editors alike. For medical editors and authors, addressing these challenges is critical to safeguarding the integrity of scholarly communication.

MDPI’s solicitation practices have been widely criticized for their aggressiveness. The publisher routinely sends unsolicited emails to recruit guest editors and solicit submissions, often inundating researchers’ personal and institutional accounts. Guest editors are encouraged to use their own networks and email accounts to recruit authors, bypassing institutional safeguards against spam. Such practices erode trust in the editorial process and raise significant ethical concerns about MDPI’s professional standards. While solicitation is a common strategy in academic publishing, MDPI’s approach exemplifies the exploitation of researchers’ networks for commercial gain.

Guest editors, central to the success of special issues, typically face immense pressure to meet submission quotas. Rather than serving as impartial curators of scientific knowledge, they are tasked with recruiting large numbers of submissions to fulfill the publisher’s commercial objectives. This dynamic shifts the focus from academic oversight to revenue generation. Early-career researchers are particularly vulnerable, as they are often misled into believing guest editorships will enhance their careers, only to find their reputations tarnished by association with journals perceived as lacking rigor. The 2018 resignation of ten senior editors from MDPI’s Nutrients journal, citing interference with editorial standards, highlights the systemic nature of these issues and their impact on academic credibility.

MDPI’s financial model further exacerbates these concerns. Article processing charges (APCs), while a standard feature of open-access publishing, impose significant economic burdens on authors, particularly those from underfunded institutions and developing countries. Combined with aggressive solicitation practices, these charges create a system where quality is often secondary to quantity. Guest editors have felt compelled to accept substandard articles to meet special issue targets. This practice undermines the credibility of the research and diminishes the journals’ value.

The rapid publication timelines characteristic of MDPI journals, often 30 days, pose additional challenges. While speed can be advantageous in certain disciplines, these compressed timelines leave little room for rigorous peer review and meaningful revisions. Critics argue that MDPI’s emphasis on accelerated publication reflects a prioritization of profit over the integrity of the peer review process. The delisting of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) by Clarivate’s Web of Science in 2023 illustrates the consequences of these practices. Due to concerns over content relevance and scope, the delisting led to a dramatic decline in publication rates and highlighted systemic flaws in MDPI’s approach to quality control.

Institutions and indexing services have responded by taking action to mitigate the risks associated with MDPI’s practices. The Chinese Academy of Sciences placed several MDPI journals on its “Early Warning Journal List,” signaling serious doubts about their academic integrity. Scopus has reviewed numerous MDPI journals for citation manipulation and inadequate peer review processes. Universities such as the University of Queensland and the University of South Africa have issued internal warnings to their researchers, advising caution when considering publishing in MDPI journals. These measures reflect a growing consensus within the academic community about addressing the publisher’s practices and upholding rigorous standards in scholarly communication.

For medical editors, the challenges posed by MDPI’s practices underscore the importance of editorial independence and a commitment to academic rigor. Editors must advocate for greater transparency in publisher practices and demand robust peer review processes to protect the credibility of their journals. Institutions must also establish clear guidelines for evaluating guest editorships and discourage participation in special issues prioritizing financial objectives over scholarly contributions. Collaborative efforts among editors, researchers, and publishers are essential to restore trust in open-access publishing and ensure that it serves the interests of the academic community rather than commercial imperatives.

MDPI’s practices present significant challenges for authors that require careful navigation. The financial strain of APCs and the pressure to publish frequently for career advancement often lead authors to prioritize expedience over credibility. However, publishing in journals associated with poor peer review standards or predatory practices can severely damage an author’s professional reputation. Such publications are frequently devalued in hiring, tenure, and funding decisions, further complicating career trajectories.

Authors must critically evaluate the credibility of journals before submitting their work. Essential steps include ensuring that a journal is indexed in reputable databases such as Scopus or Web of Science, reviewing its editorial board, and scrutinizing its peer review policies. Authors should also be cautious of unsolicited invitations to submit to special issues, particularly those with aggressive timelines and unclear processes. Consulting institutional resources, such as library services, or seeking advice from mentors can help authors make informed decisions about where to publish their research.

Read More

MDPI. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MDPI. Accessed January 3, 2025.

Retraction Watch (2024). Exclusive: MDPI journal undergoing reevaluation at Scopus, indexing on hold. https://retractionwatch.com/2024/01/02/exclusive-mdpi-journal-undergoing-reevaluation-at-scopus-indexing-on-hold. Accessed January 3, 2025.

CONEM (2024). Ethical dilemmas in publishing: Why CONEM opposes MDPI and similar journals. https://www.conem.org/2024/09/ethical-dilemmas-in-publishing-why-conem-opposes-mdpi-and-similar-journals. Accessed January 3, 2025.

Crosetto P (2021). Is MDPI a predatory publisher? Paolo Crosetto WordPress. https://paolocrosetto.wordpress.com/2021/04/12/is-mdpi-a-predatory-publisher. Accessed January 3, 2025.

Petrou C (2020). Guest post — MDPI’s remarkable growth. The Scholarly Kitchen. https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2020/08/10/guest-post-mdpis-remarkable-growth. Accessed January 3, 2025.

Oxytocin, a neuropeptide critical for social behavior and emotional bonding, has become a focal point in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. Recognized for its role in social cognition, oxytocin influences the ability to identify emotions and establish interpersonal connections. Given the pronounced social deficits in ASD, research increasingly focuses on whether oxytocin-based therapies could mitigate these challenges.

A recent review by Geir Bjørklund, MD, founder of the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), and Ramesa Shafi Bhat, researcher at the Biochemistry Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, synthesizes current findings on the role of oxytocin in ASD. Published in the International Journal for Autism Challenges & Solution, the review explores oxytocin’s neurobiological mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and current limitations (1). Disruptions in oxytocin signaling pathways are proposed as a potential contributor to the social communication deficits observed in ASD.

Studies have demonstrated that intranasal administration of oxytocin, which facilitates direct delivery to the brain, can improve behaviors such as eye contact, emotion recognition, and social engagement in individuals with ASD. However, outcomes vary significantly across individuals, influenced by genetic differences, developmental stage, and baseline oxytocin levels. These findings underscore the need for personalized therapeutic approaches (1).

The review highlights emerging areas of research, including the interaction between oxytocin and gut health. Evidence suggests that probiotics, through their influence on the gut-brain axis, may enhance oxytocin’s therapeutic efficacy. While this area remains underexplored, it provides promising insights into the interplay between systemic health and neurodevelopmental outcomes (1).

Despite these advances, challenges persist. Many clinical trials investigating oxytocin involve small sample sizes and inconsistent methodologies, limiting their generalizability. Furthermore, the long-term safety profile of oxytocin therapy is not well understood, with concerns regarding receptor desensitization and other potential adverse effects. The authors emphasize the need for rigorous, large-scale, and longitudinal studies to address these gaps and establish standardized protocols for clinical use (1).

The International Journal for Autism Challenges & Solution, established in 2024, is the first bilingual Arabic-English peer-reviewed international journal dedicated to autism research. In collaboration with CONEM, the journal aims to bridge linguistic and cultural divides in the field. Its focus on early intervention and evidence-based approaches aligns with its mission to advance autism research and healthcare strategies (2).

References

1. Bjørklund, G., & Bhat, R. S. (2024). The Role of Oxytocin in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Evidence and Therapeutic Implications. International Journal for Autism Challenges & Solution, 1(1), 91–104. https://doi.org/10.54878/h8j48873.

2. Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM). (2024). CONEM collaborates in launching the first Arabic-English peer-reviewed journal in autism research. Retrieved from https://www.conem.org/2024/04/conem-collaborates-in-launching-the-first-arabic-english-peer-reviewed-journal-in-autism-research/.

Researchers considering where to publish their work must be increasingly cautious, particularly with ongoing concerns about the practices of certain open-access publishers like MDPI. The Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM) has long opposed the use of publication fees, viewing them as a potential threat to the integrity of scientific research (1).

These fees can create financial barriers that undermine the objectivity and accessibility of scientific knowledge, particularly for researchers from less wealthy institutions or developing countries. Although managing and sustaining the credibility and scientific impact of any new academic journal involves significant economic and financial burdens and new journals should be welcomed as an opportunity to expand the field of contributions, researchers who declare the absence of funds and can demonstrate it should be wholly waived from any article processing charge or publication fee.

This concern is not isolated. In recent years, major academic and governmental bodies have taken steps that reflect growing unease about the practices of publishers like MDPI. For instance, the Ministry of Universities in Malaysia has prohibited public universities from using state funds to publish in MDPI journals. This decision was made in response to worries about academic integrity, particularly the potential for conflicts of interest when journals prioritize speed and volume of publication over rigorous peer review.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences has also expressed concern by placing several MDPI journals on its “Early Warning Journal List” for 2024. This list highlights journals engaging in questionable practices, such as citation manipulation. Although being on this list does not equate to a ban, it serves as a significant caution to Chinese researchers, potentially affecting the international reputation of these journals.

Furthermore, some MDPI journals are being reevaluated by primary indexing services like Scopus. For example, the journal Sustainability had its indexing paused due to concerns about its rapid publication rate and unusual citation patterns. If Scopus decides to delist these journals, the research published within them could lose visibility and credibility in the academic community.

CONEM’s stance against publication fees aligns with these broader concerns. The organization advocates for the free and fair dissemination of scientific knowledge, untainted by financial incentives that could compromise the quality of research. As the academic landscape evolves, researchers must carefully consider where they publish to ensure their work remains credible, accessible, and in line with the highest ethical standards.

References

1. Maintaining opposition to publication fees. https://www.conem.org/research/research-profile/publication-fees (assessed 2 September 2024).

Dr. Geir Bjørklund, MD, has provided groundbreaking insights into the zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) dynamics associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), featured in a recent interview in ARS Medica Tomitana, the official journal of Ovidius University of Constanta (Semenova, 2023).

Through international collaborations spanning various countries, Bjørklund’s research has uncovered compelling evidence of altered Zn and Cu levels in individuals with ASD. Elevated Cu levels appear to be correlated with increased symptom severity, suggesting a critical link to the neurobiological underpinnings of ASD.

In a discussion with Dr. Yuliya Semenova from Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Dr. Bjørklund emphasized the pivotal role of metallothionein proteins in synaptic modulation within the GABAergic system, shedding light on ASD pathophysiology.

Advocating for future research that explores diverse biological mediums to assess trace element levels, Bjørklund’s work promises valuable insights into the interactions and dynamics of trace elements in ASD pathogenesis.

The interview also explores potential therapeutic implications, primarily focusing on the role of Zn supplementation in ASD treatment. Dr. Bjørklund underscores the necessity of monitoring both Cu and Zn levels during therapy to optimize outcomes.

Through collaborative efforts across international borders, Dr. Bjørklund’s research significantly advances the understanding of the role of Zn and Cu in ASD, emphasizing the global impact of this work. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to unraveling trace element intricacies in ASD, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.

Vital Press

Reference

Semenova Y. The zinc-copper connection in autism spectrum disorder: Pioneering work of Dr. Geir Bjørklund. ARS Medica Tomitana 2023; 29(4): 245-257. doi: 10.2478/arsm-2023-0036.

The Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM) announces the launch of the International Journal of Autism Challenges and Solutions, an initiative as the Arab world’s premier peer-reviewed English-language scientific journal dedicated to autism. Led by a distinguished editorial team comprising eight esteemed members, including Dr. Geir Bjørklund, MD, CONEM’s founder and president, alongside two other distinguished CONEM affiliates, this journal sets a significant milestone in autism research.

Professors Afaf El-Ansary and Nagwa A. Meguid are at the forefront of autism research and contribute their invaluable expertise to the journal as editorial members. Prof. El-Ansary leads the CONEM Saudi Autism Research Group at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while Prof. Meguid heads the CONEM Egypt Child Brain Research Group at the National Research Centre in Giza, Egypt.

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the inaugural event represents a collaborative effort between Zayed Higher Organization and Lotus Holistic Group, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing autism research.

The agreement, formally signed by His Excellency Abdulla Abdulalee Alhumaidan, Secretary-General of the Organization, and Ms. Amina Alhaidan, CEO of Lotus Holistic Group, reaffirms their dedication to furthering autism research endeavors.

“The International Journal of Autism Challenges and Solutions” serves as a global platform for researchers, reflecting the UAE’s cultural leadership and forward-thinking vision championed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Aligned with the objectives of Zayed Higher Organization, the journal focuses on early intervention and enhancing healthcare services for individuals with autism. His Excellency Abdulla Abdulalee Al Humaidan highlights the collaboration’s pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and improving the lives of those affected by autism.

Ms. Amina AlHaidan expresses her enthusiasm for the agreement, emphasizing scientific research’s positive impact on the autism community. Dr. Abdulhamid Abdulhay and Prof. Afaf El-Ansary anticipate the journal becoming an indispensable resource for discovering effective solutions and raising awareness about autism.

Understanding the interplay between the virus and the host remains paramount in the battle against COVID-19. A recent systematic review titled “Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants of COVID-19 Susceptibility” (Gasmi et al., 2024), conducted by international researchers, sheds light on the complex genetic and epigenetic factors influencing susceptibility to COVID-19 and its severity.

Researchers affiliated with various institutions and universities in France, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Pakistan, Iran, Ukraine, Egypt, Italy, and Norway analyzed data from December 2019 to June 2023. Their study, under the guidance of Dr. Geir Bjørklund from the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, delved into gender-specific differences in COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.

One significant finding highlighted the critical role of the host’s HLA genotype in regulating immune responses to viral protein antigens, which is pivotal for effective immune surveillance against COVID-19. The review also suggests that genes located on the X chromosome, responsible for immune regulation in females, may contribute to a more robust defense against viral load and inflammation than males. Additionally, individuals with blood type A may exhibit heightened susceptibility to COVID-19 and an increased risk of disease-related mortality.

The study underscores how SARS-CoV-2 can hinder antiviral interferon responses, leading to uncontrolled viral replication and exacerbating disease severity. These findings emphasize the importance of further investigation, particularly regarding gender-related vulnerabilities to infection, and considering comorbidities and immune status in assessing COVID-19 risk.

Dr. Bjørklund remarked, “We anticipate our findings will deepen the understanding of the genetic and epigenetic determinants influencing COVID-19 susceptibility.”

The publication of this systematic review in Current Medicinal Chemistry signifies an advancement in the global fight against COVID-19. It elucidates genetic and epigenetic factors underlying susceptibility to the virus.

While the epidemiology and clinical features of COVID-19 have been widely reported, few studies have explored the role of genetics and epigenetics in its prevalence and severity. The review concludes that while many individuals may be infected with the virus and remain asymptomatic, they can still be carriers. However, the proportion of individuals requiring hospitalization increases with age and comorbidities associated with genetic and epigenetic factors. Factors such as HLA type, AB0 blood group, ACE2 receptor, and interferons were identified as prime factors increasing the disease risk. However, comprehensive studies on the sex-linked affinity of infection are still lacking. A significant proportion of people infected or experiencing severe complications were already immunosuppressed, marking them as a high-risk group.

Prompt and early recognition followed by isolation are crucial measures to decrease cross-infections in high-risk groups and avoid complications. Epigenetic profiling of host tissue may permit the discovery of age- and sex-related potential risk factors for COVID-19, which is critical for developing treatments and vaccines.

Vital Press

Reference

Gasmi A, Kassym L, Menzel A, Anzar W, Dadar M, Semenova Y, Arshad M, Bihunyak T, Meguid NA, Peana M, Bekbergenova Z, Bjørklund G. Genetic and epigenetic determinants of COVID-19 susceptibility: A systematic review. Curr Med Chem 2024. doi: 10.2174/0109298673267890231221100659.

A recent review article published in Current Medicinal Chemistry explores the promising roles of β-alanine (BA) and L-carnosine (LC) in counteracting the effects of aging (Gasmi et al., 2024). Authored by a collaborative team of researchers from France, India, Ukraine, Italy, Luxembourg, and Norway, the article sheds light on the role of these compounds in maintaining muscle health, combating oxidative stress, and potentially mitigating age-related degenerative diseases.

β-Alanine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid, plays a pivotal role in synthesizing L-carnosine, essential for preserving muscle buffering capacity and preventing the loss of muscle mass associated with aging. As detailed in the review, BA is indispensable for normal human metabolism, as it contributes to the formation of pantothenate, a precursor to coenzyme A. Synthesized primarily in the liver, BA combines with histidine to form LC, which accumulates in muscles and brain tissues, exerting a vital physiological role as a buffer for muscle pH.

The review underscores LC’s multifaceted antioxidant mechanisms, including scavenging reactive oxygen species and chelating metal ions. It highlights the decline in muscle buffering capacity with age due to reduced LC concentration, contributing to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss. Additionally, LC demonstrates anti-glycation properties, potentially hampering the development of degenerative diseases, and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in autoimmune conditions like osteoarthritis.

When discussing the significance of dietary intake, the paper emphasizes the importance of acquiring BA from dietary sources to support LC synthesis, given the abundance of histidine in the human body. Beyond its role in muscle health, BA demonstrates various beneficial effects, including preventing skin aging, mitigating intestinal damage, enhancing muscle cell stress-fighting capabilities, and managing age-related cognitive decline.

Geir Bjørklund, MD, the study’s supervisor and founder and president of the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, expressed enthusiasm about the implications of their findings, stating, “Our review underscores the pivotal roles of β-alanine and L-carnosine in anti-aging, offering insights into potential interventions for age-related conditions.”

This review article is a valuable reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals interested in optimizing their health and longevity through a deeper understanding of the roles of β-alanine and L-carnosine in aging.

Vital Press

Reference

Gasmi A, Pavan Mujawdiya PK, Lysiuk R, Shanaida M, Peana M, Piscopo S, Beley N, Dzyha S, Smetanina K, Shanaida V, Résimont S, Bjørklund G. The possible roles of β-alanine and L-carnosine in anti-aging. Curr Med Chem 2024. doi: 10.2174/0109298673263561231117054447.

A recent review article published in Current Medicinal Chemistry sheds light on the interplay between environmental factors and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Authored by a distinguished team of researchers from Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) – Konstantin Yenkoyan and Meri Mkhitaryan – alongside Geir Bjørklund from the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, the paper titled “Environmental Risk Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review” (Yenkoyan et al., 2024) contribute to the understanding of the origins of ASD.

The review delves into environmental exposures and their potential impact on ASD risk. It synthesizes insights from existing literature, revealing that environmental influences may contribute to as much as 50% of the variability in ASD susceptibility.

Key findings of the review highlight specific environmental triggers associated with heightened ASD risk, including advanced parental age, preterm birth, birth complications, and exposure to toxic metals, pharmaceuticals, air pollutants, and endocrine-disrupting compounds. Furthermore, the research elucidates underlying mechanisms connecting environmental exposures to ASD susceptibility, encompassing oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, neurotransmitter alterations, and disruption of crucial signaling pathways.

The review dispels misconceptions surrounding ASD risk factors, clarifying the absence of a causal relationship between ASD and factors like vaccination, maternal smoking, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, it presents inconclusive evidence regarding the association between ASD risk and certain dietary constituents while exploring the potential correlation between ASD and toxic metals.

Lead author Professor Konstantin Yenkoyan, who serves as the Vice-rector for Science of YSMU, Scientist-in-Chief and Head of the Neuroscience Laboratory at the COBRAIN Center of YSMU, as well as a Professor of the Biochemistry Department, emphasizes the significance of these findings. He states, “These insights underscore the pivotal role of environmental factors in shaping autism spectrum disorder. By unraveling and addressing these modifiable risk elements, we can pave the way for more effective preventive and therapeutic interventions.”

The paper advocates for targeted research aimed at exploring the environmental determinants of ASD, which has the potential to drive the development of innovative interventions to mitigate its prevalence. Given the global surge in autism prevalence, this review’s implications are profound for public health policies and clinical strategies worldwide.

Vital Press

Reference

Yenkoyan K, Mkhitaryan M, Bjørklund G. Environmental risk factors in autism spectrum disorder: A narrative review. Curr Med Chem 2024. doi: 10.2174/0109298673252471231121045529.