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Neuroinflammation in Autism and Supplementation Based on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Narrative Review
Aleksandra Veselinović1,2, Snježana Petrović3, Vladica Žikić1,2
1Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute "Life Activities Advancement Centre", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Insights
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) metabolism may influence autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development through neuroinflammation. Omega-3 PUFA supplementation shows potential benefits but requires further research due to study heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves social communication deficits and restricted behaviors.
- Maternal polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) status impacts neuroinflammation during brain development.
- Altered PUFA metabolism in ASD may increase oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of neuroinflammation in ASD development.
- To evaluate the effects of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Analysis of studies investigating neuroinflammation and PUFA metabolism in ASD.
- Assessment of omega-3 PUFA supplementation outcomes in pediatric ASD populations.
Main Results:
- Heterogeneity across RCTs prevents definitive conclusions on omega-3 PUFA efficacy.
- Evidence suggests a potential link between PUFA metabolism, neuroinflammation, and ASD.
- Gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis may be influenced by omega-3 PUFA deficits.
Conclusions:
- Omega-3 PUFA supplementation may offer adjunctive benefits to standard ASD interventions.
- Further high-quality research is needed to establish definitive conclusions on omega-3 PUFA supplementation for ASD.
- Addressing PUFA metabolism and neuroinflammation could be a valuable therapeutic avenue for ASD.
Abstract:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. The maternal status of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulates microglial activity and neuroinflammatory pathways during a child's brain development. In children with ASD, the metabolism of PUFA is thought to be deficient or abnormal, leading to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, increased oxidative stress and an imbalance in the formation and action of neurotransmitters. In addition, nutritional deficits in omega-3 PUFA may affect gut microbiota and contribute to ASD by the gut-brain axis. The aim of this study was to review the possible role of neuroinflammation in ASD development and the effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in children with ASD. Due to a wide heterogeneity across RCTs, no definitive conclusion about omega-3 PUFA effects in ASD can be drawn. Supplementation with PUFA could be considered as one of the aspects in regulating the biological status of the organism and could provide added value to standard medical and psychological interventions for reducing behavioral deficits.
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