Gut Microbiota: new perspectives for a possible role in Autism Spectrum Disorders

A role for gut microbiota (the microorganisms inhabiting the gut) in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) seems possible considering the high comorbidity with gastrointestinal disorders and the existence of a complex system of... [ view full abstract ]

A role for gut microbiota (the microorganisms inhabiting the gut) in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) seems possible considering the high comorbidity with gastrointestinal disorders and the existence of a complex system of bidirectional interactions between central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and microbiota. Nevertheless, results are to date strongly contrasting: a possible explanation could be the tendency to treat ASD as an unique pathology, whereas it includes different cognitive-behavioral phenotypes, and not considering factors important for microbiota development, such as nutritional history (e.g. formula milk) and medical history (e.g. antibiotics intake) as well as present diet (e.g. food selectivity) and the presence of gastrointestinal disorders.
In our study, we developed an interview to parents to acquire all this information.
Furthermore, we collected fecal samples from ASD children, typical children and ASD families (two parents, ASD child and a typical sibling).
We found differences between ASD- and typical children in the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders and food selectivity. Especially some ASD children initially eat everything and then switch to a restricted diet. This could be considered an early ASD symptom.
We are now analyzing all fecal samples with metaproteomics techniques to assess microbiota composition and evaluate it in light of the different ASD phenotypes, diet, gastrointestinal disorders and genetic proximity.
An altered microbiota composition in ASD or at least in a subgroup could become a biomarker of a possible development of ASD and allow to design preventive interventions. Moreover, it could help to better understand the molecular mechanism underlying this pathology.

This research project was evaluated and approved by an Ethics Committee. All parents participating in this study were fully informed about the aims and contents of the research during a personal meeting with the researchers.... [ view full abstract ]

This research project was evaluated and approved by an Ethics Committee.
All parents participating in this study were fully informed about the aims and contents of the research during a personal meeting with the researchers. It has been payed attention by the researchers to make clear that the participation was voluntary and even if parents had rejected to take part into this study, nothing would have changed in the way to take care of their children by the clinicians involved in this research. All parents participating in this study signed then an informed consent related to themselves and their children.
Participating to this study did not implicate any risks: fecal sampling is a no invasive procedure and all samples have been collected at home by parents, following the instructions received by the researchers.
In order to ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of the participants, all of them received a numeric code, whose key was accessible only by the main researcher.

All the participating research groups are working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders without having any potential for financial gain that may be derived from reported work.
This work was fully funded by internal funding provided by two of the research groups involved in this research: no other funding sources (commercial, public, private foundation grants, or other) contributed in this research.