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Abnormal intestinal permeability in children with autism
P D'Eufemia1, M Celli, R Finocchiaro
1Institute of Pediatrics, La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Researchers found increased intestinal permeability in 43% of autistic children, suggesting a potential link between gut health and autism. This gut mucosal damage may allow increased peptide passage, possibly affecting behavior.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- The role of gastrointestinal (GI) issues in ASD is an area of ongoing research.
- Intestinal permeability, or 'leaky gut,' is a condition where the gut lining allows substances to pass through more easily.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of gut mucosal damage in children with autism.
- To assess intestinal permeability in autistic children without pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders.
- To explore potential correlations between altered gut permeability and autism.
Main Methods:
- Intestinal permeability testing was performed on 21 children diagnosed with autism.
- Participants had no clinical or laboratory evidence of known intestinal disorders.
- A control group of 40 typically developing children was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Altered intestinal permeability was detected in 9 out of 21 (43%) autistic children.
- None of the 40 control participants exhibited altered intestinal permeability.
- Autistic patients with altered permeability showed significantly higher lactulose recovery compared to controls (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of autistic children may experience gut mucosal damage.
- Altered intestinal permeability could be a contributing factor in autism.
- This may facilitate increased passage of food-derived peptides, potentially influencing behavioral abnormalities.