scholarly journals Role of the Gut Microbiota in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical and Preclinical Evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Léa Roussin ◽  
Naika Prince ◽  
Paula Perez-Pardo ◽  
Aletta D. Kraneveld ◽  
Sylvie Rabot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Potential Implication ◽  
Gi Symptoms

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 160 people in the world. Although there is a strong genetic heritability to ASD, it is now accepted that environmental factors can play a role in its onset. As the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is four-times higher in ASD patients, the potential implication of the gut microbiota in this disorder is being increasingly studied. A disturbed microbiota composition has been demonstrated in ASD patients, accompanied by altered production of bacterial metabolites. Clinical studies as well as preclinical studies conducted in rodents have started to investigate the physiological functions that gut microbiota might disturb and thus underlie the pathophysiology of ASD. The first data support an involvement of the immune system and tryptophan metabolism, both in the gut and central nervous system. In addition, a few clinical studies and a larger number of preclinical studies found that modulation of the microbiota through antibiotic and probiotic treatments, or fecal microbiota transplantation, could improve behavior. Although the understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in the physiopathology of ASD is only in its early stages, the data gathered in this review highlight that this role should be taken in consideration.

scholarly journals Deviated and early unsustainable stunted development of gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder

Gut ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. gutjnl-2021-325115
Author(s):  
Mingxing Lou ◽  
Aihua Cao ◽  
Cuiyuan Jin ◽  
Kai Mi ◽  
Xiyue Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Large Cohort ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Gi Symptoms ◽  
Developmental Characteristics

ObjectiveRecent studies have provided insights into the gut microbiota in autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, these studies were restricted owing to limited sampling at the unitary stage of childhood. Herein, we aimed to reveal developmental characteristics of gut microbiota in a large cohort of subjects with ASD combined with interindividual factors impacting gut microbiota.DesignA large cohort of 773 subjects with ASD (aged 16 months to 19 years), 429 neurotypical (NT) development subjects (aged 11 months to 15 years) were emolyed to determine the dynamics change of gut microbiota across different ages using 16S rRNA sequencing.ResultIn subjects with ASD, we observed a distinct but progressive deviation in the development of gut microbiota characterised by persistently decreased alpha diversity, early unsustainable immature microbiota, altered aboudance of 20 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), decreased taxon detection rate and 325 deregulated microbial metabolic functions with age-dependent patterns. We further revealed microbial relationships that have changed extensively in ASD before 3 years of age, which were associated with the severity of behaviour, sleep and GI symptoms in the ASD group. This analysis demonstrated that a signature of the combination of 2 OTUs, Veillonella and Enterobacteriaceae, and 17 microbial metabolic functions efficiently discriminated ASD from NT subjects in both the discovery (area under the curve (AUC)=0.86), and validation 1 (AUC=0.78), 2 (AUC=0.82) and 3 (AUC=0.67) sets.ConclusionOur large cohort combined with clinical symptom analysis highlights the key regulator of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of ASD and emphasises the importance of monitoring and targeting the gut microbiome in future clinical applications of ASD.

scholarly journals Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Gut Microbiota in Children: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navya Bezawada ◽  
Tze Hui Phang ◽  
Georgina L. Hold ◽  
Richard Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Extensive Literature Search

Introduction: Differences in microbiota composition in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to unaffected siblings and healthy controls have been reported in various studies. This study aims to systematically review the existing literature concerning the role of the gut microbiota in ASD. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies (January 1966 through July 2019). Results: A total of 28 papers were included. The studies ranged from 12 to 104 participants who were aged between 2 and 18 years from various geographical areas. Majority of studies included faecal samples; however, 4 studies examined mucosal biopsies from different sites. The heterogeneity in ASD diagnostic methodology, gut site sampled and laboratory methods used made meta-analysis inappropriate. Species reported to be significantly higher in abundance in autistic children included Clostridium, Sutterella, Desulfovibrio and Lactobacillus. The findings are however inconsistent across studies. In addition, ­potential confounding effects of antimicrobial use, gastrointestinal symptoms and diet on the gut microbiota are unclear due to generally poor assessment of these factors. Conclusion: It is clear that the gut microbiota is altered in ASD, although further exploration is needed on whether this is a cause or an effect of the condition.

scholarly journals Role of Oligodendrocytes and Myelin in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 951
Author(s):  
Alma Y. Galvez-Contreras ◽  
David Zarate-Lopez ◽  
Ana L. Torres-Chavez ◽  
Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Abnormal Development ◽  
Matter Production

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an early neurodevelopmental disorder that involves deficits in interpersonal communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Although ASD pathophysiology is still uncertain, alterations in the abnormal development of the frontal lobe, limbic areas, and putamen generate an imbalance between inhibition and excitation of neuronal activity. Interestingly, recent findings suggest that a disruption in neuronal connectivity is associated with neural alterations in white matter production and myelination in diverse brain regions of patients with ASD. This review is aimed to summarize the most recent evidence that supports the notion that abnormalities in the oligodendrocyte generation and axonal myelination in specific brain regions are involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. Fundamental molecular mediators of these pathological processes are also examined. Determining the role of alterations in oligodendrogenesis and myelination is a fundamental step to understand the pathophysiology of ASD and identify possible therapeutic targets.

scholarly journals Pathogenetical and Neurophysiological Features of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Phenomena and Diagnoses

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1588
Author(s):  
Yunho Jin ◽  
Jeonghyun Choi ◽  
Seunghoon Lee ◽  
Jong Won Kim ◽  
Yonggeun Hong
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neural Development ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities ◽  
The Brain

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is accompanied by social deficits, repetitive and restricted interests, and altered brain development. The majority of ASD patients suffer not only from ASD itself but also from its neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Alterations in brain structure, synaptic development, and misregulation of neuroinflammation are considered risk factors for ASD and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Electroencephalography has been developed to quantitatively explore effects of these neuronal changes of the brain in ASD. The pineal neurohormone melatonin is able to contribute to neural development. Also, this hormone has an inflammation-regulatory role and acts as a circadian key regulator to normalize sleep. These functions of melatonin may play crucial roles in the alleviation of ASD and its neuropsychiatric comorbidities. In this context, this article focuses on the presumable role of melatonin and suggests that this hormone could be a therapeutic agent for ASD and its related neuropsychiatric disorders.

scholarly journals Abnormal Levels of Metal Micronutrients and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Perspective Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriya Behl ◽  
Sunil Mehta ◽  
Mukesh K. Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gene Ontology ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Metal Ion ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Metal Micronutrients ◽  
Dependent Correlation

The aim of the present review is to summarize the prevalence of abnormal levels of various metal micronutrients including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using hair, nail and serum samples. A correlation of selected abnormal metal ions with known neurodevelopmental processes using Gene Ontology (GO) term was also conducted. Data included in this review are derived from ASD clinical studies performed globally. Metal ion disparity data is also analyzed and discussed based on gender (Male/Female) to establish any gender dependent correlation. Finally, a rational perspective and possible path to better understand the role of metal micronutrients in ASD is suggested.

scholarly journals The effect of being imitated on empathy for pain in adults with high-functioning autism: Disturbed self–other distinction leads to altered empathic responding

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 712-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lize De Coster ◽  
Jan R Wiersema ◽  
Eliane Deschrijver ◽  
Marcel Brass
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Empathy For Pain ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Motor Representations

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with problems in empathy. Recent research suggests that impaired control over self–other overlap based on motor representations in individuals with autism spectrum disorder might underlie these difficulties. In order to investigate the relationship of self–other distinction and empathy for pain in high-functioning autism and matched controls, we manipulated self–other distinction by using a paradigm in which participants are either imitated or not by a hand on a computer screen. A strong pain stimulus is then inflicted on the observed hand. Behavioral and physiological results in this study showed that overall affective responses while watching pain movies were the same in adults with high-functioning autism as in controls. Furthermore, controls showed higher affective responding after being imitated during the whole experiment, replicating previous studies. Adults with high-functioning autism, however, showed increased empathic responses over time after being imitated. Further exploratory analyses suggested that while affective responding was initially lower after being imitated compared to not being imitated, affective responding in the latter part of the experiment was higher after being imitated. These results shed new light on empathic abilities in high-functioning autism and on the role of control over self–other representational sharing.

scholarly journals Gut microbiota on gender bias in autism spectrum disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Hao ◽  
Jiao Pan ◽  
Xiumei Gao ◽  
Shiyu Zhang ◽  
Yue Li
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Repetitive Behavior ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Communication Disorder ◽  
Gender Dimorphism ◽  
Men And Women

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Its three core symptoms are social communication disorder, communication disorder, narrow interest and stereotyped repetitive behavior. The proportion of male and female autistic patients is 4:1. Many researchers have studied this phenomenon, but the mechanism is still unclear. This review mainly discusses the related mechanism from the perspective of gut microbiota and introduces the influence of gut microbiota on the difference of ASD between men and women, as well as how gut microbiota may affect the gender dimorphism of ASD through metabolite of microbiota, immunity, and genetics, which provide some useful information for those who are interested in this research and find more gender-specific treatment for autistic men and women.

scholarly journals The Role of Microbiome, Dietary Supplements, and Probiotics in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi ◽  
Natarajan Suganthy ◽  
Periyanaina Kesika ◽  
Chaiyavat Chaiyasut
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Maternal Diet ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Microbial Composition

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the impairment of the cognitive function of a child. Studies suggested that the intestinal microbiota has a critical role in the function and regulation of the central nervous system, neuroimmune system and neuroendocrine system. Any adverse changes in the gut–brain axis may cause serious disease. Food preferences and dietary patterns are considered as key in influencing the factors of ASD development. Several recent reviews narrated the importance of dietary composition on controlling or reducing the ASD symptoms. It has been known that the consumption of probiotics confers several health benefits by positive amendment of gut microbiota. The influence of probiotic intervention in children with ASD has also been reported and it has been considered as an alternative and complementary therapeutic supplement for ASD. The present manuscript discusses the role of microbiota and diet in the development of ASD. It also summarizes the recent updates on the influence of dietary supplements and the beneficial effect of probiotics on ASD symptoms. An in-depth literature survey suggested that the maternal diet and lifestyle are greatly associated with the development of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Mounting evidences have confirmed the alteration in the gut microbial composition in children suffering from ASD. However, the unique profile of microbiome has not yet been fully characterized due to the heterogeneity of patients. The supplementation of probiotics amended the symptoms associated with ASD but the results are inconclusive. The current study recommends further detailed research considering the role of microbiome, diet and probiotics in the development and control of ASD.

scholarly journals A Mini Review of Gastrointestinal Pathology and Nutrition in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Pradeep V. Mahajan ◽  
Prachi S. Salvi ◽  
Siddhant Mahajan ◽  
Swetha Subramanian
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Alterations ◽  
Gastrointestinal Pathology ◽  
Heterogenous Group ◽  
Gi Symptoms

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, heterogenous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that result due to interaction of genes and environmental factors. ASD is associated with behavioural alterations and deficits in social communication. Current research on pathophysiology has proposed a link between severity of symptoms of ASD and gastrointestinal disturbances. Intestinal inflammation, dysregulation of gut microbiome may affect intestinal permeability, mucosal immune function and subsequently cause GI symptoms. Studies have also proposed the role of metabolic activity of the gut microbiome and dietary components (food allergens/toxins) to be associated with behavioral alterations in neurodevelopmental conditions including ASD. The present review aims to highlight the potential role of nutrients and dietary changes on gastrointestinal pathology and symptoms of ASD.

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