The autistic spectrum disorder and its relation to intestinal dysbiosis

Abstract

Introduction: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by a neurodevelopmental disorder, in which the child has persistent deficits in verbal and / or non-verbal communication, social interaction and behavior. One of the factors related to the cause of ASD are nutritional aspects, such as intestinal dysbiosis. Objective: To analyze the relationship between imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and the pathophysiological characteristics of ASD. Methodology: This is a systematic review, carried out in the Pubmed, SciELO databases, in order to answer the question: what is the relationship between intestinal microbiota imbalance and ASD? 139 articles were found, of which 12 were selected, through the simultaneous crossing between the descriptors “Autistic Disorder”, “Dysbiosis”. Articles written in Portuguese and English published from 2016 to 2021 were inserted. Results/Discussion: Most children with ASD exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea, and greater intestinal permeability, with major differences in the composition of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Patients with ASD have a lower microbiota diversity in the GIT. However, it is not possible to identify the origin of this change, since children with ASD often have changes in diet and eating behavior, which could alter the microbiota. Conclusion: It is still complex to understand what are the main causes of ASD. The gut-brain axis is an important associated factor both in the etiology and in the clinical manifestations of ASD. The use of diets, together with the modulation of the microbiota, by the use of probiotics and specific antibiotics, are possibilities for promising therapy.