Multi-strain Bacillus Probiotics has Advantages in Improving Abnormal Behavior and Intestinal Flora in Rats of Autism...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with limited safe treatment options.
• Current medications for ASD often cause adverse side effects.
• Probiotics offer a potentially safer alternative for managing ASD symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of three probiotic agents (multi-strain Bacillus, multi-strain Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces boulardii) in a valproate-induced rat model of ASD.
• To determine the most effective probiotic intervention for alleviating ASD-like behaviors and underlying biological markers.

Main Methods:

• Induction of an ASD model in rats using valproate (VPA).
• Administration of three different probiotic formulations to separate intervention groups.
• Assessment of behavioral changes, gut inflammation, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid levels.

Main Results:

• Multi-strain Bacillus probiotics demonstrated the most significant reduction in VPA-induced stereotypic behaviors in the ASD rat model.
• Bacillus probiotics treatment led to decreased gut inflammation.
• Optimization of gut microbiota composition and regulation of short-chain fatty acid levels were observed with Bacillus probiotics.

Conclusions:

• Multi-strain Bacillus probiotics represent the most effective intervention among the tested agents for the VPA-induced ASD rat model.
• Bacillus probiotics show promise as a therapeutic strategy for ASD by targeting gut health.
• Further research into Bacillus probiotics for ASD management is warranted.