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Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

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Gastrointestinal issues in autism spectrum disorder.

Elaine Y Hsiao¹

¹From the Divisions of Biology and of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology.

Harvard Review of Psychiatry

|March 12, 2014

Summary

Gastrointestinal issues are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may worsen core symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests a gut-brain connection influencing ASD development and severity.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Gastroenterology
Genetics

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents with core deficits in communication and social interaction, alongside stereotypic behaviors.
Medical comorbidities are frequent in individuals with ASD, with gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities being particularly prevalent.
GI issues in ASD often correlate with the severity of behavioral abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

To review gastrointestinal pathologies in ASD.
To explore the links between GI conditions, genetic/environmental autism risk factors, and ASD endophenotypes.
To examine the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on GI pathologies in ASD.
Analysis of associations between GI conditions and autism risk factors.
Examination of the impact of GI abnormalities on ASD neuropathology and behavior.

Main Results:

GI abnormalities are frequently observed in individuals with ASD.
Specific GI conditions are linked to known genetic and environmental risk factors for autism.
GI dysfunction may influence neuropathological and behavioral features of ASD, including immune dysregulation, hyperserotonemia, and metabolic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

GI abnormalities are a significant comorbidity in ASD.
A gut-brain connection is implicated in the pathogenesis and severity of ASD symptoms.
Further research into GI dysfunction in ASD is warranted.