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Common Genetic Variants Link the Abnormalities in the Gut-Brain Axis in Prematurity and Autism

Elżbieta M Sajdel-Sulkowska1,2, Monika Makowska-Zubrycka3, Katarzyna Czarzasta3

  • 1Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. esulkowska@rics.bwh.harvard.edu.

Cerebellum (London, England)
|August 16, 2018
PubMed

Insights

This review explores the connection between prematurity and autism, highlighting the microbiota-gut-vagus-heart-brain (MGVHB) axis. Common genetic variants may link these conditions, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Prematurity and autism share overlapping symptoms including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, cognitive, and behavioral issues.
  • Altered neurodevelopment in both conditions may involve disruptions in the microbiota-gut-vagus-heart-brain (MGVHB) axis.
  • A 'leaky gut' and dysbiosis are implicated in premature and autistic children, suggesting immature gut-blood barrier function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the link between prematurity and autism by examining shared symptoms and physiological abnormalities.
  • To investigate the role of the microbiota-gut-vagus-heart-brain (MGVHB) axis in the systemic disruption accompanying altered neurodevelopment.
  • To propose a hypothesis that common genetic variants link MGVHB axis abnormalities in premature and autistic pathologies.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of clinical and animal studies on prematurity and autism.
  • Review of data on the microbiota-gut-vagus-heart-brain (MGVHB) axis and its role in neurodevelopment.
  • Examination of genetic variants, including EBF1, EEFSEC, and AGTR2, associated with preterm birth and autism risk.

Main Results:

  • Increased prevalence of shared symptoms in premature and autistic children.
  • Evidence suggests impaired gut-blood barrier, dysbiosis, and vagal dysregulation.
  • Identification of common genetic variants (EBF1, EEFSEC, AGTR2) potentially linking prematurity and autism.

Conclusions:

  • The microbiota-gut-vagus-heart-brain (MGVHB) axis is a potential pathway connecting prematurity and autism.
  • Common genetic variants, particularly AGTR2, may underlie shared abnormalities.
  • Understanding these links can pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions for both conditions.

Keywords:
Angiotensin receptor type 2Microbiota-gut-brain axisPreterm birthVagus nerve“Leaky gut”

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