Interplay Between Peripheral and Central Inflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Possible Nutritional and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Maternal obesity and related factors are linked to increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in offspring.
• Prenatal exposure to maternal obesity or high-fat diets can induce social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors in animal models.
• Obesity-associated factors like fatty acids, sugars, hormones (insulin, leptin), and inflammation can disrupt neuroendocrine systems and brain circuits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of pre- and post-natal environmental factors on neurodevelopment and ASD risk.
• To investigate the role of maternal obesity, diet, and gut microbiota in neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• To identify potential preventative strategies for ASD targeting environmental and microbial influences.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on maternal obesity, diet, and their effects on offspring neurodevelopment.
• Analysis of the mechanisms linking maternal metabolic state and inflammation to brain development.
• Examination of the gut microbiota-brain axis and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Main Results:

• Maternal obesity and high-fat diets are associated with behavioral impairments resembling ASD in offspring.
• Prenatal factors like hormones and inflammation can alter offspring brain development.
• Postnatal factors, including delivery mode, stress, diet, and antibiotics, modify gut microbiota and impact the gut-brain axis.

Conclusions:

• The perinatal and postnatal environment significantly influences neurodevelopment and ASD risk.
• The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis and neurodevelopment.
• Interventions focused on improving the perinatal/postnatal environment, manipulating gut microbiota, and nutritional strategies may offer pathways for ASD prevention or mitigation.