Preconception Blood Brain Barrier Integrity and Autism Risk at Birth: A Protocol from an Indian Population

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. While maternal prenatal factors have been widely studied, preconception paternal health — particularly semipermeable blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity — remains underexplored in relation to ASD risk in offspring. This paper presents a cross sectional observational study protocol designed to assess surrogate measures of BBB permeability in Indian men prior to conception and examine their associations with semen quality, epigenetic markers, and autism birth risk. Using biochemical markers, reproductive health parameters, and follow up infant developmental screening, this research aims to elucidate whether disruptions in systemic barrier regulation may correlate with increased ASD risk.