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The Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Qinrui Li1, Ying Han1, Angel Belle C Dy2
1Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First HospitalBeijing, China.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|May 16, 2017
Summary
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gut microbiome alterations may influence brain function and behavior, suggesting microbiome therapies could be effective for ASD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms frequently co-occur with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- The exact mechanisms linking GI issues and ASD remain unclear.
- Alterations in gut microbiota composition and function are observed in individuals with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the bidirectional communication along the brain-gut axis.
- To explore the role of the gut microbiota in central nervous system (CNS) function and ASD.
- To discuss potential therapeutic applications of microbiome modulation for ASD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on the brain-gut axis and ASD.
- Analysis of research on gut microbiota composition and function in ASD.
- Synthesis of current understanding of microbiome-CNS interactions.
Main Results:
- The gut microbiota communicates with the CNS via neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, and autonomic pathways.
- Abnormal gut microbiota is implicated in various conditions, including ASD, IBD, and mood disorders.
- Bidirectional interactions between the brain and gut are crucial for overall health.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota plays a significant role in CNS development and behavior.
- Microbiome-mediated therapies show promise as a safe and effective treatment strategy for ASD.
- Further research into the gut-brain axis in ASD is warranted.
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