Harnessing the Gut Microbiome: To What Extent Can Pre-/Probiotics Alleviate Immune Activation in Autism Spectrum...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, linked to the microbiome-gut-brain axis.
• Gut microbiome alterations can trigger immune responses and gut-brain dysfunction, exacerbating ASD symptoms.
• Existing research on pre/probiotics for ASD shows limited and conflicting results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the association between ASD clinical symptoms and specific bacterial taxa.
• To evaluate the efficacy of pre/probiotics in modulating gut microbiota, reducing inflammation, and alleviating ASD-related symptoms.
• To explore the potential of pre/probiotics in improving gut homeostasis, immune function, and nutritional status in ASD management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on the gut microbiome in ASD.
• Analysis of studies investigating the effects of pre/probiotics on ASD symptoms, GI distress, sleep, and inflammation.
• Evaluation of proposed mechanisms underlying pre/probiotic effects on the microbiome-gut-brain axis in ASD.

Main Results:

• Specific bacterial taxa are associated with ASD symptoms, suggesting a role for the gut microbiome.
• Pre/probiotics show potential in modulating microbiota composition and reducing inflammatory markers.
• Evidence for significant improvement in core ASD symptoms, GI distress, and sleep problems remains limited and controversial.

Conclusions:

• Pre/probiotic supplementation may offer a strategy to modulate gut homeostasis and immune responses in ASD.
• Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are essential to confirm efficacy and establish optimal protocols.
• Targeting the microbiome-gut-brain axis via pre/probiotics could be a complementary approach in managing ASD.