Peer-reviewed article

Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids as Potential Biomarkers for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Boonchooduang N, Louthrenoo O, Likhitweerawong N, Thonusin C, Chattipakorn N et al. · 19 Jul 2023

Abstract

Introduction Growing evidence supports a possible link between gut microbiota and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) via the gut-brain axis. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the major metabolites produced by gut microbiota through anaerobic fermentation, may influence gut-brain communication. Objectives To determine the alterations of gut microbiota and fecal SCFAs in children diagnosed with ADHD compared to healthy subjects. Methods Fecal samples were collected from children with ADHD (n=10), and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n=10) for gut microbiota and SCFAs analysis. Results There were no significant differences in the abundance of any bacterial phyla in feces between groups. However, fecal concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were significantly lower in children with ADHD compared to those of controls (Figure1). Interestingly, acetic acid and propionic acid levels were negatively correlated with ADHD symptoms ( Table 1). Macronutrient and fiber intake, determined from food frequency questionnaires, did not differ between groups.Table 1. The regression analyses predicting ADHD symptoms scores from fecal short-chain fatty acids level.Bp-value95%CIInattention scoreAcetic acid-0.140.009-0.24, -0.04Propionic acid-0.180.006-0.30, -0.06Hyperactive/Impulsive scoreAcetic acid-0.100.031-0.20, -0.01Propionic acid-0.140.018-0.25, -0.03Combined scoreAcetic acid-0.120.014-0.22, -0.03Propionic acid-0.160.008-0.27, -0.05 Image: Conclusions Our findings suggested that gut dysbiosis was possibly developed in children with ADHD, as indicated by a significant decrease in fecal SCFAs. In fact, fecal acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid may potentially be the early detector for ADHD. In addition, fecal acetic acid and propionic acid could be potential biomarkers for the severity of ADHD. Disclosure of Interest None Declared