Gut Microbiota and Autism
Introduction
By Bailey Fitzgerald
3000 words
The human gut microbiome plays a larger role in human health than simply digestion. Gut microbes have the ability to bidirectionally communicate with the central nervous system and influence both emotional and cognitive centers of the brain.[1] This makes maintenance of the gut microbiome especially important in people with a variety of neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction, repetitive patterns of behavior or activities, and restricted interests.[2] ASD can range in severity from very high-functioning (formerly known as Asperger’s syndrome) in which the individual is able to go about daily life with little to no assistance to low-functioning individuals that need assistance with basic care and needs or anywhere in between. It is also common to have other diseases and conditions along with autism spectrum disorder.
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are one of these common comorbidities in ASD patients.[3] Studies have found that 23 to 70% of people with ASD suffer from gastrointestinal dysfunction, with the wide range attributed to variances in survey methods.[4] Additionally, the prevelance of more gastrointestinal symptoms was strongly correlated with the severity of autism in patients.[5]
Although the cause of the abnormal gut microbiome in patients with ASD is not certain, researchers hypothesize that it could be due to atypical eating habits.[6] Thus, therapies targeting the gut microbiome could have potential in treating and managing autism spectrum disorders. Because the exact causes of ASD and the mechanisms behind the disorder are difficult to identify, there are very few effective therapies available.[7] This makes the potential of microbiome treatments for ASD ever more promising and hopeful for managing the disorder.
Section 1
Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.
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Section 2
Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 3
Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 4
Conclusion
References
- ↑ Carabotti M, Scirocco A, Maselli MA, Severi C. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015;28(2):203–9.
- ↑ American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
- ↑ Li Q, Han Y, Dy ABC, Hagerman RJ. The Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2021 Mar 17];11. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2017.00120/full?fbclid=IwAR04gQH8jD4LVLXEJnl7MfXsCyDR7USEauiGGIc1BXJY48GTn2L5GQg-Hk0
- ↑ Chaidez V, Hansen RL, Hertz-Picciotto I. Gastrointestinal Problems in Children with Autism, Developmental Delays or Typical Development. J Autism Dev Disord. 2014 May 1;44(5):1117–27.
- ↑ Adams JB, Johansen LJ, Powell LD, Quig D, Rubin RA. Gastrointestinal flora and gastrointestinal status in children with autism – comparisons to typical children and correlation with autism severity. BMC Gastroenterology. 2011 Mar 16;11(1):22.
- ↑ Mulle JG, Sharp WG, Cubells JF. The Gut Microbiome: A New Frontier in Autism Research. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2013 Feb 1;15(2):1–9.
- ↑ Rossignol DA, Frye RE. A review of research trends in physiological abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: immune dysregulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and environmental toxicant exposures. Molecular Psychiatry. 2012 Apr;17(4):389–401.
Authored for BIOL 238 Microbiology, taught by Joan Slonczewski, 2021, Kenyon College.
