Gene variations in Autism Spectrum Disorder are associated with alternation of gut microbiota, metabolites and cytokines

Gao

et al. 2022

Front. Cell Dev. Biol.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a complex heterogeneous disorder and characterized by stereotyped behavior and deficits in communication and social interactions. The emerging microbial knowledge has pointed to a potential link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and ASD. Evidence from animal and human studies showed that shifts in composition and activity of the gut microbiota may causally contribute to the etiopathogenesis of core symptoms in the ASD individuals with gastrointestinal tract disturbances and act on microbiota-gut-brain. In this review, we summarized the characterized gut bacterial composition of ASD and the involvement of gut microbiota and their metabolites in the onset and progression of ASD; the possible underlying mechanisms are also highlighted. Given this correlation, we also provide an overview of the microbial-based therapeutic interventions such as probiotics, antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation therapy, and dietary interventions and address their potential benefits on behavioral symptoms of ASD. The precise contribution of altering gut microbiome to treating core symptoms in the ASD needs to be further clarified. It seemed to open up promising avenues to develop microbial-based therapies in ASD.

Section: Gut Dysbiosis In Asd Animal Models and Patientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Gut Dysbiosis In Asd Animal Models and Patientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alteration of Gut Microbiota: New Strategy for Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder

Gao

et al. 2022

Front. Cell Dev. Biol.

“…Correlations between the relative abundances of bacterial taxa and lymphocyte subpopulations, as well as serum levels of LPS and I-FABP in pwMS across B-HIPE were next specifically sought (Figure 3). Interestingly, LPS was negatively correlated with the well-known probiotic genus, Bifidobacterium (p = 0.05, tau = −0.296, Kendall rank correlation test), as well as Blautia (p = 0.02, tau = −0.334), whose probiotic properties have recently been debated [29]. On the contrary, LPS and I-FABP showed a positive correlation with the Gram-negative bacterium Phascolarctobacterium (p = 0.02, tau = 0.370 and 0.387, respectively).…”

Section: Correlations Between Gut Microbiota Profiles and Host Covariatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of a High-Impact Multidimensional Rehabilitation Program on the Gut Microbiota of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Barone

Mendozzi

D’Amico

et al. 2021

IJMS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative inflammatory condition mediated by autoreactive immune processes. Due to its potential to influence host immunity and gut-brain communication, the gut microbiota has been suggested to be involved in the onset and progression of MS. To date, there is no definitive cure for MS, and rehabilitation programs are of the utmost importance, especially in the later stages. However, only a few people generally participate due to poor support, knowledge, and motivation, and no information is available on gut microbiota changes. Herein we evaluated the potential of a brief high-impact multidimensional rehabilitation program (B-HIPE) in a leisure environment to affect the gut microbiota, mitigate MS symptoms and improve quality of life. B-HIPE resulted in modulation of the MS-typical dysbiosis, with reduced levels of pathobionts and the replenishment of beneficial short-chain fatty acid producers. This partial recovery of a eubiotic profile could help counteract the inflammatory tone typically observed in MS, as supported by reduced circulating lipopolysaccharide levels and decreased populations of pro-inflammatory lymphocytes. Improved physical performance and fatigue relief were also found. Our findings pave the way for integrating clinical practice with holistic approaches to mitigate MS symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life.

“…This explains why probiotics are being thoroughly investigated, both in the antenatal period and in children with ASD, for their possible role in mitigating some of the symptoms of ASD. There is also a potential underlying genetic basis for the cytokine variations seen in ASD (Liu et al 2021), and this opens up prospects for exploring prenatal testing and targeted gene therapy for ASD in future.…”

Section: Intestinal Barrier Pathway: the 'Leaky Gut' Hypothesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Reasoning through the Gut: The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and its Role in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Singh

Dalton

2021

J Stud Res

The age-old phrase ‘gut feeling’ is increasingly finding a scientific basis. The human gut houses a massive colony of microorganisms that not only maintain intestinal function, but also have far-reaching connections to the brain through a complicated ‘microbiota-gut-brain’ (MGB) axis. This axis has now been established to have implications in the management of various neuro-psychological conditions including Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition that affects the way people communicate, behave and interact with others. Once considered a rare disorder, it is now estimated to have a prevalence of about 1 in 54 children in the United States. It is unfortunate that the existing cognitive-behavioral therapy protocols for ASD are prolonged and expensive, and that there is no currently approved medication for the core symptoms of the disorder. Scientists are now exploring the MGB axis for establishing possible therapeutic targets to alleviate the symptoms of ASD. This review attempts to highlight how the MGB axis works, and to capture the essence of the mechanisms that implicate the MGB axis in the pathogenesis of ASD. Further research in this direction may convincingly establish the role of novel treatment options for ASD ranging from probiotics and dietary modifications to newer modalities like fecal transplants, vagal nerve stimulation and gene therapy. Microbes, and not just behavioral intervention therapy, may hold the key to treating ASD.