Altered Gut Microbiome in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Potential Mechanism and Implications for Clinical Intervention

Kuokuo Li ¹, Zhengmao Hu ¹, Jianjun Ou ², Kun Xia ^1*

¹ Center for Medical Genetics and School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China

² Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China

Received July 18, 2018; Accepted January 2, 2019

ABSTRACT

Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with an increased prevalence around the world over the past two decades. Remarkably, a large number of individuals with ASD have gastrointestinal disorders. Recent studies demonstrate that the endogenous gut microbiota has a close relationship with ASD according to the analyses of human host intestinal microbial composition and animal model studies. Here, we review the reports of microbial dysbiosis in ASD and then discuss the recent evidence of biological interactions among microbiota, metabolism, immunity, neurodevelopment, and behaviors. We also describe the role of the gut microbiome in the link between ASD and environmental risk factors. Finally, we suggest adjuvant treatments to consider in attempts to correct autistic behaviors.

KEYWORDS

Gut microbiome; autism spectrum disorder; clinical interventions

*Correspondence: Likuokuo@sklmg.edu.cn or xiakun@sklmg.edu.cn

How to cite this article:

Li K, Hu Z, Ou J, Xia K. Altered gut microbiome in Autism Spectrum Disorder: potential mechanism and implications for clinical intervention. Glob Clin Transl Res. 2019; 1(1):45-52. DOI:10.36316/gcatr.01.0006