Gut Microbiota and Its Impact on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Nadia Mukhtar *
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Umair Younas
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Hamda Pervaiz
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Tahir Yaqub
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Yasir Zahoor
Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Hassaan Bin Aslam
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Laraib Karim
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Sumbal Raza
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Mohid
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Sidra Abid
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Abdullah
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Gufran Sajjad
Shaikh Zayed Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan.
Munazza Naseer
Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
There is a substantial relationship between gut microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies have found that there are significant changes in microbial composition between people with ASD, their unaffected siblings, and healthy controls. Though results are still unstable, bacterial species like Clostridium, Sutterella, Desulfovibrio, Lactobacillus, Bacterodies, and Faecalibacterium are more common in ASD patients. Because up to 90% of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience gastrointestinal (GI) problems, it is thought that the gut-brain axis is important in the development of ASD. The gut microbiota is made up of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. It is affected by a number of variables, including nutrition, which can change the composition of the microbiota and the function of the brain through neuroendocrine and immunological pathways. Therapeutic methods that focus on the microbiome, including probiotics, microbiota transfer therapy, and specific diets, have demonstrated promise in reducing gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite encouraging outcomes from preclinical and observational studies, convincing clinical trials are needed to demonstrate whether or not a treatment has an effect or is effective. Additionally, the mother’s nutrition and lifestyle may heighten the risk of the child suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which emphasizes understanding the interplay between the gut, brain, and microbiome. While there is potential for microbiome-based therapies in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more research is required to grasp their full capabilities.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), gut microbiota, Gastrointestinal (GI) problems, probiotics, microbiota transfer therapy