Exposure to Antibiotics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Could Probiotics Modulate the Gut–Brain Axis?

Abstract

In order to develop properly, the brain requires the intricate interconnection of genetic factors and pre-and postnatal environmental events. The gut–brain axis has recently raised considerable interest for its involvement in regulating the development and functioning of the brain. Consequently, alterations in the gut microbiota composition, due to antibiotic administration, could favor the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders. Literature data suggest that the modulation of gut microbiota is often altered in individuals affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. It has been shown in animal studies that metabolites released by an imbalanced gut–brain axis, leads to alterations in brain function and deficits in social behavior. Here, we report the potential effects of antibiotic administration, before and after birth, in relation to the risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. We also review the potential role of probiotics in treating gastrointestinal disorders associated with gut dysbiosis after antibiotic administration, and their possible effect in ameliorating neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms.

Glucocorticoids rescue cell surface trafficking of R451C Neuroligin3 and enhance synapse formation

“…The dual genetic and environmental nature characterizing ASDs represent the main obstacle to the search for effective therapies 52 . However, many pharmacological therapeutic approaches have been developed to modulate UPR effectors.…”

“…The dual genetic and environmental nature characterizing ASDs represent the main obstacle to the search for effective therapies. 52 However, many pharmacological therapeutic approaches have been developed to modulate UPR effectors. Our group has previously shown that the retention of R451C NLGN3 causes ER stress and the activation of the UPR both in vitro and in vivo, which is correlated to neurotransmission alterations in the cerebellum.…”

Prenatal Environmental Antibiotic Exposure and Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Children at 3 Years of Age: Findings from the Ma’anshan Birth Cohort Study

“…45 Antibiotic exposure can disrupt the prenatal environment, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental changes that subsequently lead to ASD symptoms. 46 The potential gender differences between the effects of Tetracycline exposure and the risk of ASD symptoms remain unsolved. In our study, we found that Tetracycline exposure in the first and third trimesters was associated with an increased risk of ASD symptoms in boys but not in girls.…”

“…The fetal brain is particularly sensitive to ambient stimuli that affect the development of the central nervous system during the first and third trimesters . Antibiotic exposure can disrupt the prenatal environment, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental changes that subsequently lead to ASD symptoms . The potential gender differences between the effects of Tetracycline exposure and the risk of ASD symptoms remain unsolved.…”

Antibiotic Consumption, Illness, and Maternal Sensitivity in Infants with a Disorganized Attachment

“…Preterm, particularly veryto-extreme preterm infants, are even more susceptible to these drugs than full-term infants [26][27][28][29]. Antibiotics (mainly broad-spectrum antibiotics) can interfere with brain development [30][31][32], for example, increasing the risk of severe mental disorders later on as adults [33,34]. Moreover, Slykerman et al's research has linked the use of antibiotics in the first year of life to later neurocognitive impacts in children, such as anxiety and depression [35].…”