Network Toxicology and Experimental Analysis of Valproic Acid-Induced Neurodevelopmental Toxicity in Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study combined computational toxicology, Mendelian randomization, and animal models to elucidate how valproic acid exposure may contribute to autism-related neurodevelopmental effects through epigenetic and metabolic pathways. Prenatal VPA-exposed rats showed autistic-like behaviors and neuronal degeneration, with altered expression of key regulators like HDAC1 and ESR1, suggesting environmental rather than purely genetic mechanisms.