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Gut microbiome differences in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder and
Nil Novau-Ferré1, Christopher Papandreou2, Meritxell Rojo-Marticella3
1Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group (NuMeH). Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Rovira i Virgili University (URV), 43201 Reus, Spain; Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43204 Reus, Spain; Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology - TecnATox, Rovira i Virgili University, 43201 Reus, Spain.
Insights
Gut microbiota composition differs between children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Probiotic supplementation improved gut diversity in ASD and modulated specific bacteria in both neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and ASD.
- Emerging evidence links gut microbiome composition to these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gut microbiota composition between children with ADHD and ASD.
- To evaluate the impact of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota in these populations.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 80 children (aged 5-14) with ADHD or ASD.
- Analysis of fecal samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess gut microbiota changes.
- Comparison of microbial diversity indices (Chao 1, Fisher's alpha, Shannon) and taxa abundance.
Main Results:
- Identified 22 distinct microbial taxa differentiating ADHD and ASD.
- ADHD showed higher levels of Clostridia, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae; ASD showed higher levels of Bacteroides, Bacilli, and Actinobacteria.
- Probiotic supplementation increased microbial diversity in ASD and decreased specific taxa associated with gastrointestinal issues and anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota variations are implicated in ADHD and ASD.
- Probiotics can favorably alter gut microbiota composition in children with these disorders.
- Findings support microbiome-targeted therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Background:
Emerging evidence suggests a significant role of gut microbiota on neurodevelopmental disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Aims:
Our study aimed to compare gut microbiota composition between these disorders and evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation.
Methods:
We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 80 children aged 5-14 years (39 with ADHD, 41 with ASD). Baseline and post-intervention fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify changes in gut microbiota composition.
Results:
We identified 22 taxa differentiating ADHD and ASD (AUC = 0.939), characterised by increased presence of Clostridia, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae in ADHD, and Bacteroides, Bacilli and Actinobacteria in ASD. These differences remained after accounting for potential confounders. ASD children receiving probiotics had significant increases in Chao 1, Fisher's alpha, and Shannon indices whereas no significant differences in α and β-diversity were found in ADHD. In ADHD, bacteria with potential adverse effects were under-represented. In ASD, the abundance of Eggerthellaceae, and other taxa associated with gastrointestinal problems and anxiety was decreased.
Conclusion:
Variations in gut microbiota may influence responses in ADHD and ASD. Probiotic supplementation favorably altered gut microbiota composition, offering insights for future therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome in neurodevelopmental disorders.
What This Paper Adds:
Recent research underscores the role of gut microbiota in ADHD and ASD, indicating that diet can significantly influence microbiota composition and potentially manage these neurodevelopmental disorders. This study reveals distinct differences in gut microbiota composition between children with ADHD and ASD and demonstrates that probiotic supplementation can modulate specific microbial genera in each disorder. These findings pave the way for the development of innovative microbiome-targeted therapies, offering a new avenue for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding this relationship is crucial for designing future interventions.
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