IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 667: Exploring the Association of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Constipation through Analysis of the Gut Microbiome

IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 667: Exploring the Association of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Constipation through Analysis of the Gut Microbiome International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph18020667 Authors: Shih-Chen Fu Chung-Han Lee Hsiuying Wang Over the past two decades, research into the role of the gut microbiome in regulating the central nervous system has rapidly increased. Several neurodevelopmental diseases have been linked to the unbalance of gut microbiota, including autism. Children on the autism spectrum often suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation, which is four times more prevalent than it is in children without autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although studies in animals have shown the crucial role of the microbiota in key aspects of neurodevelopment, there is currently no consensus on how the alteration of microbial composition affects the pathogenesis of ASD, let alone how it exerts an impact on the following comorbidities. In our study, we were able to control the effects of constipation on gut dysbiosis and distinguish neuropathological-related and gastrointestinal-related bacteria in ASD patients separately. By analyzing published data, eight additional bacteria significantly altered in autistic individuals were identified in our study. All of them had a decreased relative abundance in ASD patients, except Lactobacillaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae. Eighteen and eleven bacteria were sig...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research