Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in Fragile X Syndrome and its relationship to behaviour: A systematic review

Hardiman, Rebecca Lyndsey, Bratt, Alison M. (2016) Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in Fragile X Syndrome and its relationship to behaviour: A systematic review. Physiology & Behavior, 167 . pp. 341-353. ISSN 0031-9384. E-ISSN 1873-507X. (doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.09.030)

Abstract

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is characterised by features including anxiety and autistic-like behaviour, which led to early hypotheses that aberrant physiological arousal may underlie the behavioural phenotype. In line with this, several lines of evidence suggest that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be altered in the syndrome. This review collates evidence to determine the nature of HPA axis baseline activity and reactivity (as measured by glucocorticoid levels) differences in FXS, and its relationship to behaviour. Through a search of electronic databases, 15 papers were identified which provided data on humans with FXS or the FMR1 knockout mouse model. The findings across studies are mixed, though trends in the findings can be seen, including elevations in cortisol levels, particularly in males. Preliminary findings also highlight associations between cortisol levels and key behaviours associated with the syndrome, such as gaze avoidance. Areas for future research are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.09.030
Uncontrolled keywords:	Fragile X Syndrome; FMR1; FMRP; Autism; Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; Cortisol; Corticosterone; Glucocorticoid; Systematic review; KO mouse; HPA
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine
Divisions:	Faculties > Sciences > Medway School of Pharmacy Faculties > Social Sciences > School of Social Policy Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User:	Alison Bratt
Date Deposited:	28 Oct 2016 12:48 UTC
Last Modified:	09 Jul 2019 08:59 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/58185 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)
Hardiman, Rebecca Lyndsey:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2956-9378