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An Update on Microbial Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder with Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Rachel J Moreno1,2, Paul Ashwood1,2
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Insights
Microbial dysbiosis in the gut is common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Manipulating the gut microbiome through various methods shows promise for improving ASD behaviors and gastrointestinal issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 33 children in the US, characterized by social interaction and communication challenges.
- Microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract is frequently observed in individuals with ASD, potentially worsening symptoms and immune dysregulation.
- GI comorbidities are more prevalent in the ASD population, possibly linked to dysbiosis and immune issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of microbial manipulation on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) outcomes.
- To discuss various methods of microbiome manipulation and their efficacy in ASD.
- To explore the potential of early-life microbiome interventions for neurodevelopment.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on microbiome manipulation in ASD.
- Analysis of interventions including antibiotics, dietary changes, prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.
- Discussion of research on early-life microbiome interventions.
Main Results:
- Various microbiome manipulation methods have demonstrated varying success in reducing ASD behaviors and GI symptoms.
- Long-term efficacy of these interventions varies.
- Early-life intervention is a critical period for neurodevelopment and microbiome manipulation.
Conclusions:
- Microbiome manipulation is a promising area of research for managing ASD symptoms and associated GI issues.
- Further research is needed to optimize interventions and understand long-term effects.
- Targeting the microbiome early in life may offer significant benefits for neurodevelopment in ASD.
Abstract:
In the United States, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 33 children and is characterized by atypical social interactions, communication difficulties, and intense, restricted interests. Microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is frequently observed in individuals with ASD, potentially contributing to behavioral manifestations and correlating with worsening severity. Moreover, dysbiosis may contribute to the increased prevalence of GI comorbidities in the ASD population and exacerbate immune dysregulation, further worsening dysbiosis. Over the past 25 years, research on the impact of microbial manipulation on ASD outcomes has gained substantial interest. Various approaches to microbial manipulation have been preclinically and clinically tested, including antibiotic treatment, dietary modifications, prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Each method has shown varying degrees of success in reducing the severity of ASD behaviors and/or GI symptoms and varying long-term efficacy. In this review, we discuss these microbiome manipulation methods and their outcomes. We also discuss potential microbiome manipulation early in life, as this is a critical period for neurodevelopment.
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