Via ocitocina e arginina-vasopressina no transtorno do espectro autista: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition defined by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Although the etiology of ASD is multifactorial and heterogeneous, advances in neurobiology point to the involvement of specific neuropeptide pathways associated with the regulation of social behavior, namely the oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) pathways. Thus, this review aims to analyze recent scientific literature on the relationship between the oxytocin and vasopressin systems, their receptors, and social cognition in the context of ASD, in addition to contributing to the understanding of the neurochemical mechanisms involved in the relationship between oxytocin/vasopressin pathways and ASD, compiling information found in articles and genetic databases on the participation of these pathways in ASD, and expanding more targeted therapeutic proposals based on the evidence found. Articles published between 2015 and 2025 addressing genes in the OXT/AVP pathway related to ASD were included. Data were extracted from 17 selected articles considering country, year, genes, polymorphisms, association with ASD, and the use of treatment or biomarker identification. The results indicated that the most researched polymorphisms were rs2254298 and rs53576 of the OXTR gene, in addition to suggesting the identification of polymorphisms in the OXTR, AVPR1a, and AVPR1b genes as potential biomarkers of risk and severity of social symptoms, as well as the exploration of intranasal OXT as a promising therapeutic approach. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated how the oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic pathways significantly participate in mediating social cognition, and that their genetic alterations are directly implicated in the core symptoms of ASD. Furthermore, promising avenues for interventions based on genetic biomarkers have been indicated, contributing to a more precise and individualized future approach to autism treatment.