BDNF activates several pathways, including the PI3-K/Akt, the PLC- γ, MAPK, and GTPases.60 Studies have found links between low levels of BDNF in newborns and autism spectrum disorder, and preterm infants with lower levels of BDNF had a higher probability of failing neurodevelopmental outcome tests.61,62 The roles of circulating VEGF, and PDGF in the preterm infant are not fully elucidated; however, they are both mediators of angiogenesis during development. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and autism spectrum disorder.