Peer-reviewed article
Microbiota, Immune System and Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Integrative Model Towards Novel Treatment Options
Marazziti D, Carpita B, Palermo S, Parra E, Dell’Osso L ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This review examines the relationship between gut microbiota (the microorganisms in the digestive system) and autism spectrum disorders in children. It describes how the 'gut-brain axis' connects the digestive system to the brain through immune and metabolic pathways. Studies show differences in microbiota composition between children with autism and typical children, suggesting that treatments targeting the gut microbiota might help reduce autism symptoms. The authors propose this emerging field of 'psychobiotics' as a promising area for understanding and treating autism.
Key points
- Gut microbiota communicate with the central nervous system through the 'gut-brain axis' involving immune and metabolic pathways
- Cross-sectional studies report significant differences in microbiota composition between children with autism spectrum disorders and controls
- Gut dysbiosis may be linked to autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis
- Treatments targeting gut microbiota, termed 'psychobiotics', are proposed as a potential novel treatment approach for autism
- This is an emerging field with preliminary findings that requires further research
Limitations
This is a review article summarising existing literature rather than reporting original research findings. It does not provide specific evidence on treatment efficacy or present data from clinical trials of microbiota-based interventions.
Abstract
The functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) is the result of the integration of bidirectional messages between the brain and peripheral organs. Despite the anatomical separation, gut microbiota, i.e., the microorganisms colonising the gastrointestinal tract, is related to the CNS through the so-called “gut–brain axis” that is also involved in immune processes. The recent literature indicates that the gut microbiota may affect brain functions through endocrine and metabolic pathways, antibody production and the enteric network, while supporting its possible role in the onset and maintenance of several neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The term ASDs includes autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified different. All these conditions are characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, as well as limited and repetitive behaviours, interests or activities. In the last two decades, an impressive number of cross-sectional studies reported significant differences in microbiota composition between children with an ASD and controls, thus strengthening the hypothesis of a possible link between GI dysbiosis and ASD. The amount of studies documenting the possible involvement of microbiota in ASD pathogenesis led to considering whether treatments acting on gut flora could ameliorate ASD symptoms. The available findings, although preliminary, would indicate data gut microbiota might represent an interesting field of research for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD (of also of other neuropsychiatric disorders), and possibly a target for the development of innovative treatments just labelled as “psychobiotics”. Disclosure No significant relationships.