A sex chromosome abnormality in the form of an extra Y chromosome has been linked to a doubled risk of autism, according to a study that offered a “new explanation” for why autism is more common in men.
The researchers said the Y chromosome should be examined more closely to identify risk factors for autism.
Sex chromosomes determine the biological sex of an individual: men typically carry the XY chromosome in their cells, while women are known to carry the XX chromosome.
However, some people carry an abnormal number of X or Y chromosomes, such as XXY or XYY, which is a genetic condition known as “sex chromosome aneuploidy.”
Link between extra Y chromosome indicates autism
Autism, a neurodevelopmental condition in which one exhibits repetitive behaviors and has affected social skills, has been studied to be almost four times more common among men, compared to women, indicating a strong gender aspect. in the skewed proportion.
Researchers, including those at the US Institute of Autism and Developmental Medicine, looked at autism diagnoses in people who had abnormal sex chromosomes and found that those who had an extra Y chromosome (XYY or XXY) had twice as many chances of being diagnosed with autism.
Having an extra X chromosome did not affect the risk of autism, they said. The team analyzed genetic and autism diagnostic data on 1,77,416 patients, of whom 350 had abnormal sex chromosomes.
Additionally, having XYY chromosomes was found to increase the risk of autism more than having XXY.
Published in the journal Nature Communications, the results suggested a risk factor linked to the Y chromosome, as opposed to the protective effect known to be associated with the X chromosome, the authors said.
The protection provided by the
The study’s findings pointed to the need to look for autism risk factors on the Y chromosome, rather than just the protection provided by the X chromosome, the authors said.
Therefore, they called for further research to identify specific autism risk factors associated with the Y chromosome.
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