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Zarimeidani F, Rahmati R, Mostafavi M, Darvishi M, Khodadadi S, Mohammadi M, Shamlou F, Bakhtiyari S, Alipourfard I. Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Neuroinflammatory Mediated Mechanism of Pathogenesis? Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02061-y. [PMID: 39093342 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and behavior, frequently accompanied by restricted and repetitive patterns of interests or activities. The gut microbiota has been implicated in the etiology of ASD due to its impact on the bidirectional communication pathway known as the gut-brain axis. However, the precise involvement of the gut microbiota in the causation of ASD is unclear. This study critically examines recent evidence to rationalize a probable mechanism in which gut microbiota symbiosis can induce neuroinflammation through intermediator cytokines and metabolites. To develop ASD, loss of the integrity of the intestinal barrier, activation of microglia, and dysregulation of neurotransmitters are caused by neural inflammatory factors. It has emphasized the potential role of neuroinflammatory intermediates linked to gut microbiota alterations in individuals with ASD. Specifically, cytokines like brain-derived neurotrophic factor, calprotectin, eotaxin, and some metabolites and microRNAs have been considered etiological biomarkers. We have also overviewed how probiotic trials may be used as a therapeutic strategy in ASD to reestablish a healthy balance in the gut microbiota. Evidence indicates neuroinflammation induced by dysregulated gut microbiota in ASD, yet there is little clarity based on analysis of the circulating immune profile. It deems the repair of microbiota load would lower inflammatory chaos in the GI tract, correct neuroinflammatory mediators, and modulate the neurotransmitters to attenuate autism. The interaction between the gut and the brain, along with alterations in microbiota and neuroinflammatory biomarkers, serves as a foundational background for understanding the etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zarimeidani
- Students Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Rahem Rahmati
- Students Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Mostafavi
- Faculty of Allied Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Darvishi
- School of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Khodadadi
- Student Research Committee, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Shamlou
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Salar Bakhtiyari
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, North Western University, Chicago. Illinois, USA
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Marcin Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224, Warsaw, Poland.
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Zheng L, Jiao Y, Zhong H, Tan Y, Yin Y, Liu Y, Liu D, Wu M, Wang G, Huang J, Wang P, Qin M, Wang M, Xiao Y, Lv T, Luo Y, Hu H, Hou ST, Kui L. Human-derived fecal microbiota transplantation alleviates social deficits of the BTBR mouse model of autism through a potential mechanism involving vitamin B 6 metabolism. mSystems 2024; 9:e0025724. [PMID: 38780265 PMCID: PMC11237617 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00257-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficiencies and stereotypic behaviors influenced by hereditary and/or environmental risk factors. There are currently no approved medications for treating the core symptoms of ASD. Human fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a potential intervention to improve autistic symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of human-derived FMT on behavioral and multi-omics profiles of the BTBR mice, an established model for ASD. FMT effectively alleviated the social deficits in the BTBR mice and normalized their distinct plasma metabolic profile, notably reducing the elevated long-chain acylcarnitines. Integrative analysis linked these phenotypic changes to specific Bacteroides species and vitamin B6 metabolism. Indeed, vitamin B6 supplementation improved the social behaviors in BTBR mice. Collectively, these findings shed new light on the interplay between FMT and vitamin B6 metabolism and revealed a potential mechanism underlying the therapeutic role of FMT in ASD.IMPORTANCEAccumulating evidence supports the beneficial effects of human fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the precise mechanism by which FMT induces a shift in the microbiota and leads to symptom improvement remains incompletely understood. This study integrated data from colon-content metagenomics, colon-content metabolomics, and plasma metabolomics to investigate the effects of FMT treatment on the BTBR mouse model for ASD. The analysis linked the amelioration of social deficits following FMT treatment to the restoration of mitochondrial function and the modulation of vitamin B6 metabolism. Bacterial species and compounds with beneficial roles in vitamin B6 metabolism and mitochondrial function may further contribute to improving FMT products and designing novel therapies for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Zheng
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Neuroscience, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Xbiome Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinming Jiao
- Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haolin Zhong
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Neuroscience, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Xbiome Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | - Ding Liu
- Xbiome Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Manli Wu
- Xbiome Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Ping Wang
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meirong Qin
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingbang Wang
- Microbiome Therapy Center, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children’s Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tiying Lv
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangzi Luo
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Han Hu
- Xbiome Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng-Tao Hou
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Neuroscience, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Kui
- Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Li Y, Xiao P, Cao R, Le J, Xu Q, Xiao F, Ye L, Wang X, Wang Y, Zhang T. Effects and microbiota changes following oral lyophilized fecal microbiota transplantation in children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1369823. [PMID: 38783921 PMCID: PMC11112010 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1369823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders that is characterized by core features in social communication impairment and restricted, repetitive sensory-motor behaviors. This study aimed to further investigate the utilization of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in children with ASD, both with and without gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, evaluate the effect of FMT and analyze the alterations in bacterial and fungal composition within the gut microbiota. Methods A total of 38 children diagnosed with ASD participated in the study and underwent oral lyophilized FMT treatment. The dosage of the FMT treatment was determined based on a ratio of 1 g of donor stool per 1 kg of recipient body weight, with a frequency of once every 4 weeks for a total of 12 weeks. In addition, 30 healthy controls (HC) were included in the analysis. The clinical efficacy of FMT was evaluated, while the composition of fecal bacteria and fungi was determined using 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing methods. Results Median age of the 38 children with ASD was 7 years. Among these children, 84.2% (32 of 38) were boys and 81.6% (31 of 38) exhibited GI symptoms, with indigestion, constipation and diarrhea being the most common symptoms. Sample collections and assessments were conducted at baseline (week 0), post-treatment (week 12) and follow-up (week 20). At the end of the follow-up phase after FMT treatment, the autism behavior checklist (ABC) scores decreased by 23% from baseline, and there was a 10% reduction in scores on the childhood autism rating scale (CARS), a 6% reduction in scores on the social responsiveness scale (SRS) and a 10% reduction in scores on the sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC). In addition, short-term adverse events observed included vomiting and fever in 2 participants, which were self-limiting and resolved within 24 h, and no long-term adverse events were observed. Although there was no significant difference in alpha and beta diversity in children with ASD before and after FMT therapy, the FMT treatment resulted in alterations in the relative abundances of various bacterial and fungal genera in the samples of ASD patients. Comparisons between children with ASD and healthy controls (HC) revealed statistically significant differences in microbial abundance before and after FMT. Blautia, Sellimonas, Saccharomycopsis and Cystobasidium were more abundant in children with ASD than in HC, while Dorea were less abundant. After FMT treatment, levels of Blautia, Sellimonas, Saccharomycopsis and Cystobasidium decreased, while levels of Dorea increased. Moreover, the increased abundances of Fusicatenibacter, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula, Cutaneotrichosporon and Zygosaccharomyces were negatively correlated with the scores of ASD core symptoms. Conclusions Oral lyophilized FMT could improve GI and ASD related symptoms, as well as sleep disturbances, and alter the gut bacterial and fungal microbiota composition in children with ASD. Clinical Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200055943. Registered 28 January 2022, www.chictr.org.cn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youran Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Le
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiao Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangfei Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xufei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Hung LY, Margolis KG. Autism spectrum disorders and the gastrointestinal tract: insights into mechanisms and clinical relevance. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:142-163. [PMID: 38114585 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are recognized as central neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed by impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviours. The recognition of ASD as a central nervous system (CNS)-mediated neurobehavioural disorder has led most of the research in ASD to be focused on the CNS. However, gastrointestinal function is also likely to be affected owing to the neural mechanistic nature of ASD and the nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract (enteric nervous system). Thus, it is unsurprising that gastrointestinal disorders, particularly constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, are highly comorbid in individuals with ASD. Gastrointestinal problems have also been repeatedly associated with increased severity of the core symptoms diagnostic of ASD and other centrally mediated comorbid conditions, including psychiatric issues, irritability, rigid-compulsive behaviours and aggression. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in ASD and its associated behavioural comorbidities, the specific links between these two conditions have not been clearly delineated, and current data linking ASD to gastrointestinal dysfunction have not been extensively reviewed. This Review outlines the established and emerging clinical and preclinical evidence that emphasizes the gut as a novel mechanistic and potential therapeutic target for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Y Hung
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kara Gross Margolis
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Hediyal TA, Vichitra C, Anand N, Bhaskaran M, Essa SM, Kumar P, Qoronfleh MW, Akbar M, Kaul-Ghanekar R, Mahalakshmi AM, Yang J, Song BJ, Monaghan TM, Sakharkar MK, Chidambaram SB. Protective effects of fecal microbiota transplantation against ischemic stroke and other neurological disorders: an update. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1324018. [PMID: 38449863 PMCID: PMC10915229 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1324018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The bidirectional communication between the gut and brain or gut-brain axis is regulated by several gut microbes and microbial derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, and lipopolysaccharides. The Gut microbiota (GM) produce neuroactives, specifically neurotransmitters that modulates local and central neuronal brain functions. An imbalance between intestinal commensals and pathobionts leads to a disruption in the gut microbiota or dysbiosis, which affects intestinal barrier integrity and gut-immune and neuroimmune systems. Currently, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is recommended for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT elicits its action by ameliorating inflammatory responses through the restoration of microbial composition and functionality. Thus, FMT may be a potential therapeutic option in suppressing neuroinflammation in post-stroke conditions and other neurological disorders involving the neuroimmune axis. Specifically, FMT protects against ischemic injury by decreasing IL-17, IFN-γ, Bax, and increasing Bcl-2 expression. Interestingly, FMT improves cognitive function by lowering amyloid-β accumulation and upregulating synaptic marker (PSD-95, synapsin-1) expression in Alzheimer's disease. In Parkinson's disease, FMT was shown to inhibit the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB. In this review article, we have summarized the potential sources and methods of administration of FMT and its impact on neuroimmune and cognitive functions. We also provide a comprehensive update on the beneficial effects of FMT in various neurological disorders by undertaking a detailed interrogation of the preclinical and clinical published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tousif Ahmed Hediyal
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, KA, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, KA, India
| | - C. Vichitra
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, KA, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, KA, India
| | - Nikhilesh Anand
- Department of Pharmacology, American University of Antigua, College of Medicine, Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Mahendran Bhaskaran
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Frederic and Mary Wolf Centre University of Toledo, Health Science, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Saeefh M. Essa
- Department of Computer Science, Northwest High School, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - M. Walid Qoronfleh
- Q3CG Research Institute (QRI), Research and Policy Division, Ypsilanti, MI, United States
| | - Mohammed Akbar
- Division of Neuroscience and Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ruchika Kaul-Ghanekar
- Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI), Cancer Research Lab, Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences (SSBS), Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arehally M. Mahalakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, KA, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, KA, India
| | - Jian Yang
- Drug Discovery and Development Research Group, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Byoung-Joon Song
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Bio-physics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Tanya M. Monaghan
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Meena Kishore Sakharkar
- Drug Discovery and Development Research Group, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, KA, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, KA, India
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Yang J, He L, Dai S, Zheng H, Cui X, Ou J, Zhang X. Therapeutic efficacy of sulforaphane in autism spectrum disorders and its association with gut microbiota: animal model and human longitudinal studies. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1294057. [PMID: 38260076 PMCID: PMC10800504 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1294057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sulforaphane (SFN) has been found to alleviate complications linked with several diseases by regulating gut microbiota (GM), while the effect of GM on SFN for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the effects of SFN on childhood ASD and GM through animal model and human studies. Methods We evaluated the therapeutic effects of SFN on maternal immune activation (MIA) induced ASD-like rat model and pediatric autism patients using three-chamber social test and OSU Autism Rating Scale-DSM-IV (OARS-4), respectively, with parallel GM analysis using 16SrRNA sequencing. Results SFN significantly improved the sniffing times of ASD-like rats in the three-chamber test. For human participants, the average verbal or non-verbal communication (OSU-CO) scores of SFN group had changed significantly at the 12-wk endpoint. SFN was safe and no serious side effects after taking. GM changes were similar for both ASD-like rats and ASD patients, such as consistent changes in order Bacillales, family Staphylococcaceae and genus Staphylococcus. Although the gut microbiota composition was significantly altered in SFN-treated ASD-like rats, the alteration of GM was not evident in ASD patients after 12 weeks of SFN treatment. However, in the network analysis, we found 25 taxa correlated with rats' social behavior, 8 of which were associated with SFN treatment in ASD-like rats, For ASD patients, we found 35 GM abundance alterations correlated with improvements in ASD symptoms after SFN treatment. Moreover, family Pasteurellaceae and genus Haemophilus were found to be associated with SFN administration in the network analyses in both ASD-like rats and ASD patients. Discussion These findings suggest that SFN could provide a novel avenue for preventing and treating ASD, and its therapeutic effects might be related to gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jianjun Ou
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Widjaja F, Rietjens IMCM. From-Toilet-to-Freezer: A Review on Requirements for an Automatic Protocol to Collect and Store Human Fecal Samples for Research Purposes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2658. [PMID: 37893032 PMCID: PMC10603957 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition, viability and metabolic functionality of intestinal microbiota play an important role in human health and disease. Studies on intestinal microbiota are often based on fecal samples, because these can be sampled in a non-invasive way, although procedures for sampling, processing and storage vary. This review presents factors to consider when developing an automated protocol for sampling, processing and storing fecal samples: donor inclusion criteria, urine-feces separation in smart toilets, homogenization, aliquoting, usage or type of buffer to dissolve and store fecal material, temperature and time for processing and storage and quality control. The lack of standardization and low-throughput of state-of-the-art fecal collection procedures promote a more automated protocol. Based on this review, an automated protocol is proposed. Fecal samples should be collected and immediately processed under anaerobic conditions at either room temperature (RT) for a maximum of 4 h or at 4 °C for no more than 24 h. Upon homogenization, preferably in the absence of added solvent to allow addition of a buffer of choice at a later stage, aliquots obtained should be stored at either -20 °C for up to a few months or -80 °C for a longer period-up to 2 years. Protocols for quality control should characterize microbial composition and viability as well as metabolic functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Widjaja
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands;
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Hu C, He T, Zou B, Li H, Zhao J, Hu C, Cui J, Huang Z, Shu S, Hao Y. Fecal microbiota transplantation in a child with severe ASD comorbidities of gastrointestinal dysfunctions-a case report. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1219104. [PMID: 37663603 PMCID: PMC10469809 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1219104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by social communication impairments and restricted, repetitive behaviors. In addition to behavioral interventions and psychotherapies, and pharmacological interventions, in-depth studies of intestinal microbiota in ASD has obvious abnormalities which may effectively influenced in ASD. Several attempts have been made to indicate that microbiota can reduce the occurrence of ASD effectively. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a type of biological therapy that involves the transplant of intestinal microbiota from healthy donors into the patient's gastrointestinal tract to improve the gut microenvironment. In this case report, we describe a case of child ASD treated by FMT. The patient have poor response to long-term behavioral interventions. After five rounds of FMT, clinical core symptoms of ASD and gastrointestinal(GI) symptoms were significantly altered. Moreover, the multiple levels of functional development of child were also significantly ameliorated. We found that FMT changed the composition of the intestinal microbiota as well as the metabolites, intestinal inflammatory manifestations, and these changes were consistent with the patient's symptoms. This report suggests further FMT studies in ASD could be worth pursuing, and more studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of FMT in ASD and its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Hu
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianyi He
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Biao Zou
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heli Li
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinzhu Zhao
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Hu
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinru Cui
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihua Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sainan Shu
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Kwak MJ, Kim SH, Kim HH, Tanpure R, Kim JI, Jeon BH, Park HK. Psychobiotics and fecal microbial transplantation for autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: microbiome modulation and therapeutic mechanisms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1238005. [PMID: 37554355 PMCID: PMC10405178 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1238005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is thought to be the developmental origins of the host's health and disease through the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis: such as immune-mediated, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neurodevelopmental diseases. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders, and growing evidence indicates the contribution of the gut microbiome changes and imbalances to these conditions, pointing to the importance of considering the MGB axis in their treatment. This review summarizes the general knowledge of gut microbial colonization and development in early life and its role in the pathogenesis of ASD/ADHD, highlighting a promising therapeutic approach for ASD/ADHD through modulation of the gut microbiome using psychobiotics (probiotics that positively affect neurological function and can be applied for the treatment of psychiatric diseases) and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-jin Kwak
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoo Hugo Kim
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rahul Tanpure
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Johanna Inhyang Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Clinical Research Institute of Developmental Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byong-Hun Jeon
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyung Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Clinical Research Institute of Developmental Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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A snapshot of gut microbiota data from murine models of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Still a blurred picture. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105105. [PMID: 36804416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. In recent years, the role of microbiota-gut-brain axis in ASD pathogenesis received growing attention, appearing as an attractive therapeutic target. We provide a comprehensive overview of changes in microbiota composition in ASD murine models so far identified, and summarize the therapeutic approaches targeting the microbiota on ASD-like neurobehavioral profile. Although alterations in microbiota composition have been observed in both genetic and environmental murine models of ASD, a clear microbiota profile shared by different ASD murine models has not been identified. We documented substantial discrepancies among studies (often within the same model), likely due to several confounding factors (from sex and age of animals to housing conditions). Despite these limitations, ASD animal models (under standardized conditions) remain a useful tool to evaluate (i) the beneficial effects of manipulations of gut microbiota on behavioral abnormalities; (ii) underlying neurobiological mechanisms related to gut-brain axis; and (iii) to identify optimal time windows for therapeutic interventions.
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11
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Zhu D, Jin X, Guo P, Sun Y, Zhou L, Qing Y, Shen W, Ji G. Efficacy of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Treatment of Autism in Children: Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:5993628. [PMID: 36818228 PMCID: PMC9935869 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5993628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective Evidence-based research methods were applied to assess the efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the treatment of autism in children. Methods We searched the Chinese Biomedical Literature, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases to collect randomised controlled trials on faecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of autism in children. The search included studies published from the creation of the respective database to 5 April 2022. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation were implemented by three investigators according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.1 software. Results Nine studies with population-based subjects and four studies with animal-based subjects were included. Five papers were screened for the meta-analysis. The results showed that FMT markedly reduced Autism Behaviour Checklist (ABC) scores in children with autism spectrum disorder (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -14.96; 95% confidence intervals (CI), -21.68 to -8.24; P < 0.001; I 2 = 0%). FMT also reduced Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores (WMD = -6.95; 95% CI, -8.76 to -5.14; P < 0.001; I 2 = 28.1%). Conclusion Our results indicate that FMT can benefit children with autism by reducing ABC and CARS scores, but more high-quality studies are needed to verify these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danrong Zhu
- Department of Paediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Paediatrics, Ili Friendship Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Ili, China
| | - Xinyu Jin
- Department of Paediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Piao Guo
- Department of Paediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Paediatrics, Ili Friendship Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Ili, China
| | - Yan Qing
- Department of Paediatrics, Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Weisong Shen
- Department of Paediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guozhong Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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12
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Zhang J, Zhu G, Wan L, Liang Y, Liu X, Yan H, Zhang B, Yang G. Effect of fecal microbiota transplantation in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1123658. [PMID: 36937721 PMCID: PMC10017995 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1123658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may be helpful in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as rebalancing the gut microbiome has been shown to potentially improve behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Methods This systematic review was conducted to assess the effect of FMT for children with ASD. The Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published from inception to October 6, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the identified records and undertook data extraction. Results The search identified a total of five studies: two prospective open-label studies, two retrospective observational studies, and a case report; however, no randomized controlled trial was identified. All five studies reported a significant post-FMT-treatment improvement in neuropsychological assessment of ASD. The two prospective open-label studies suggested that the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) score, and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) score at the posttreatment assessment decreased from the baseline (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; all p < 0.01]). The two retrospective observational studies suggested that FMT helped to improve the ASD symptoms. One observational study reported that the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score and ABC score of the constipation group decreased from the baseline after the second course assessment (CARS [baseline: mean 35.25 ± standard deviation 4.36, second course: 32.5 ± 3.1, p = 0.015]; ABC [baseline: 56.21 ± 16.08, second course: 46.54 ± 16.54, p = 0.046]). Another observational study found that both ABC and CARS scores decreased as the number of FMT courses increased, and significant differences were found at the end of each course as compared with the baseline. Conclusion Compared with the baseline, FMT significantly improved symptoms of autism in children with ASD in observational studies. However, rigorously designed randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of FMT as a treatment for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wan
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xinting Liu
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Yan
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Bo Zhang
| | - Guang Yang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Yang
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Ming Y, Deng Z, Tian X, Jia Y, Ning M, Cheng S. m6A Methyltransferase METTL3 Reduces Hippocampal Neuron Apoptosis in a Mouse Model of Autism Through the MALAT1/SFRP2/Wnt/β-catenin Axis. Psychiatry Investig 2022; 19:771-787. [PMID: 36327957 PMCID: PMC9633173 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hippocampal neuron apoptosis contributes to autism, while METTL3 has been documented to possess great potentials in neuron apoptosis. Our study probed into the role of METTL3 in neuron apoptosis in autism and to determine the underlying mechanism. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze expressed genes in autism samples. Institute of Cancer Research mice were treated with valproic acid to develop autism models. The function of METTL3 in autism-like symptoms in mice was analyzed with behavioral tests and histological examination of their hippocampal tissues. Primary mouse hippocampal neurons were extracted for in vitro studies. Downstream factors of METTL3 were explored and validated. RESULTS METTL3, MALAT1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling were downregulated, while SFRP2 was upregulated in the hippocampal tissues of a mouse model of autism. METTL3 stabilized MALAT1 expression by promoting m6A modification of MALAT1. MALAT1 promoted SFRP2 methylation and led to reduced SFRP2 expression by recruiting DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B to the promoter region of SFRP2. Furthermore, SFRP2 facilitated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. By this mechanism, METTL3 suppressed autism-like symptoms and hippocampal neuron apoptosis. CONCLUSION This research suggests that METTL3 can reduce autism-like symptoms and hippocampal neuron apoptosis by regulating the MALAT1/SFRP2/Wnt/β-catenin axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ming
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Zhihui Deng
- Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Xianhua Tian
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Yuerong Jia
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Meng Ning
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Shuhua Cheng
- Department of Applied Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, China
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Lee GA, Zhao HW, Chang YW, Lee CJ, Yang YCSH, Wu YC, Lin WL, Liu YR, Ning DS, Tseng SH. KI Essence extract (a spleen-tonifying formula) promotes neurite outgrowth, alleviates oxidative stress and hypomyelination, and modulates microbiome in maternal immune activation offspring. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:964255. [PMID: 36091751 PMCID: PMC9453593 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.964255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mushrooms and Chinese traditional herbs have bioactive nutraceuticals with multiple therapeutic functions, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities and microbiome modulation properties. Mushroom-derived bioactive compounds are used in medicines for the treatment of neurological disorders with abnormal brain–gut–microbiome axis. This study examined the effects of KI Essence extract, a spleen-tonifying formula, on neurite growth, antioxidant activity, hypomyelination modulation, and the microbiome profile in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced maternal immune activation (MIA) offspring. The KI Essence extract induced PC12 cell neurite growth by increasing extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, promoting 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, reducing the level of tert-butylhydroperoxide–induced lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates, protecting PC12 cells from H2O2-induced cell death (through the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation), alleviating hypomyelination, and downregulating interleukin‐1β through LPS-activated microglia production; moreover, the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae, Actinobacteria, Peptostreptococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Bifidobacterium bacteria in MIA offspring increased. In summary, the KI Essence extract promotes neurite outgrowth, alleviates oxidative stress and hypomyelination, and modulates microbiota dysbiosis in MIA offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Aaron Lee
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Child Development Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital,, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Wei Zhao
- Infinitus (China) Company Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu-Wei Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Lee
- PhD Program for Clinical Drug Discovery of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy Science, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen S. H. Yang
- Joint Biobank, Office of Human Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Li Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Liu
- Joint Biobank, Office of Human Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - De-Shan Ning
- Infinitus (China) Company Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sung-Hui Tseng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Sung-Hui Tseng,
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Yang X, Tang T, Li M, Chen J, Li T, Dai Y, Cheng Q. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor May Be Involved in the Behavioral Changes of Progeny Rats after Exposure to Ceftriaxone Sodium during Pregnancy. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:699-708. [PMID: 35484974 PMCID: PMC9628893 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2111.11048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic exposure during pregnancy have an adversely effects on offspring behavior and development. However, its mechanism is still poorly understood. To uncover this, we added ceftriaxone sodium to the drinking water of rats during pregnancy and conducted three-chamber sociability test, open-field test, and Morris water maze test in 3- and 6-week-old offspring. The antibiotic group offspring showed lower sociability and spatial learning and memory than control. To determine the role of the gut microbiota and their metabolites in the changes in offspring behavior, fecal samples of 6-week-old offspring rats were sequenced. The composition of dominant gut microbial taxa differed between the control and antibiotic groups. KEGG pathway analysis showed that S24-7 exerted its effects through the metabolic pathways including mineral absorption, protein digestion and absorption, Valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. Correlation analysis showed that S24-7 abundance was negatively correlated with the level of VEGF, and metabolites associated with S24-7-including 3-aminobutanoic acid, dacarbazine, L-leucine, 3-ketosphinganine, 1-methylnicotinamide, and N-acetyl-L-glutamate-were also significantly correlated with VEGF levels. The findings suggest that antibiotic exposure during pregnancy, specifically ceftriaxone sodium, will adversely affects the behavior of offspring rats due to the imbalance of gut microbiota, especially S24-7, via VEGF and various metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China,Department of Pediatrics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Ting Tang
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Mengchun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Ying Dai
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China,Corresponding authors Y. Dai Phone: +023-6196-6253 Fax: +023-63663-1734 E-mail:
| | - Qian Cheng
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China,
Q. Cheng Phone: +023-6196-6252 Fax: +023-6363-1734 E-mail:
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16
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Davidson J, Gauthier-Signore C, Bishop KP, Wicks C, Monteiro MA, Roy PN, Auzanneau FI. ROESY and 13C NMR to distinguish between D- and L-rhamnose in the α-D-Man p-(1 → 4)-β-Rha p-(1 → 3) repeating motif. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:2964-2980. [PMID: 35333269 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00131d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many children suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Enterocloster bolteae has been regularly detected in the stool of individuals suffering from GI symptoms and autism. Literature has suggested that E. bolteae strains WAL 16351 and WAL 14578 produce an immunogenic capsular polysaccharide (CPS) comprised of disaccharide repeating units: α-D-Man-(1 → 4)-β-Rha-(1 → 3) that could be used for the development of an immunotherapeutic vaccine. Ambiguity in the configuration of rhamnose led to the synthesis of tri- and disaccharide analogues containing D-rhamnose and L-rhamnose, respectively. ROESY-NMR spectra showed that CH3-6 of rhamnose and H-2 of mannose in the L-Rha containing disaccharide gave correlation. No such correlation was seen between the CH3-6 of rhamnose and the H-2 of mannose in the D-Rha containing trisaccharide. Molecular dynamics studies on hexasaccharide containing L-Rha or D-Rha confirmed that these structures adopt conformations resulting in different distances between the C6-rhamnose and the H-2 mannose of the preceding residue. We also demonstrate that assignment of the absolute configuration of the rhamnosyl residue in the β-Rhap-(1 → 3)-D-Man linkage can be determined using the 13C chemical shift of C-2 in of D-Mannose. While β-D-Rha will lead to an upfield shift of C-2 due to γ-gauche interaction between H-1 Rha and H-2 Man, β-L-Rha will not. Our results provide insights to distinguish between D- and L-rhamnose in the α-D-Manp-(1 → 4)-β-Rhap-(1 → 3) repeating motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Davidson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | | | - Kevin P Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Christopher Wicks
- Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Mario A Monteiro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Pierre-Nicholas Roy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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Liu J, Gao Z, Liu C, Liu T, Gao J, Cai Y, Fan X. Alteration of Gut Microbiota: New Strategy for Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:792490. [PMID: 35309933 PMCID: PMC8929512 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.792490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a complex heterogeneous disorder and characterized by stereotyped behavior and deficits in communication and social interactions. The emerging microbial knowledge has pointed to a potential link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and ASD. Evidence from animal and human studies showed that shifts in composition and activity of the gut microbiota may causally contribute to the etiopathogenesis of core symptoms in the ASD individuals with gastrointestinal tract disturbances and act on microbiota-gut-brain. In this review, we summarized the characterized gut bacterial composition of ASD and the involvement of gut microbiota and their metabolites in the onset and progression of ASD; the possible underlying mechanisms are also highlighted. Given this correlation, we also provide an overview of the microbial-based therapeutic interventions such as probiotics, antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation therapy, and dietary interventions and address their potential benefits on behavioral symptoms of ASD. The precise contribution of altering gut microbiome to treating core symptoms in the ASD needs to be further clarified. It seemed to open up promising avenues to develop microbial-based therapies in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5th of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhanyuan Gao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5th of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanqi Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5th of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tianyao Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Junwei Gao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Cai
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Cai, ; Xiaotang Fan,
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Cai, ; Xiaotang Fan,
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Abujamel TS, Al-Otaibi NM, Abuaish S, AlHarbi RH, Assas MB, Alzahrani SA, Alotaibi SM, El-Ansary A, Aabed K. Different Alterations in Gut Microbiota between Bifidobacterium longum and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Treatments in Propionic Acid Rat Model of Autism. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030608. [PMID: 35276971 PMCID: PMC8838423 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) consist of a range of neurodevelopmental conditions accompanied by dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Therefore, a number of microbiota manipulation strategies were developed to restore their balance. However, a comprehensive comparison of the various methods on gut microbiota is still lacking. Here, we evaluated the effect of Bifidobacterium (BF) treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FT) on gut microbiota in a propionic acid (PPA) rat model of autism using 16S rRNA sequencing. Following PPA treatment, gut microbiota showed depletion of Bacteroidia and Akkermansia accompanied by a concomitant increase of Streptococcus, Lachnospiraceae, and Paraeggerthella. The dysbiosis was predicted to cause increased levels of porphyrin metabolism and impairments of acyl-CoA thioesterase and ubiquinone biosynthesis. On the contrary, BF and FT treatments resulted in a distinct increase of Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Marvinbryantia, Butyricicoccus, and Dorea. The taxa in BF group positively correlated with vitamin B12 and flagella biosynthesis, while FT mainly enriched flagella biosynthesis. In contrast, BF and FT treatments negatively correlated with succinate biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, beta-Lactam resistance, and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that BF and FT treatments restored the PPA-induced dysbiosis in a treatment-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turki S. Abujamel
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-504-545-472
| | - Norah M. Al-Otaibi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.A.-O.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Sameera Abuaish
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rahaf H. AlHarbi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mushref B. Assas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Saleha Ahmad Alzahrani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.A.-O.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Sohailah Masoud Alotaibi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.A.-O.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Laboratory, Female Center for Medical Studies and Scientific Section, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11472, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Kawther Aabed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.A.-O.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.A.); (K.A.)
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19
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Abuaish S, Al-Otaibi NM, Aabed K, Abujamel TS, Alzahrani SA, Alotaibi SM, Bhat RS, Arzoo S, Algahtani N, Moubayed NM, El-Ansary A. The Efficacy of Fecal Transplantation and Bifidobacterium Supplementation in Ameliorating Propionic Acid-Induced Behavioral and Biochemical Autistic Features in Juvenile Male Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:372-381. [PMID: 35094316 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01959-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiota plays a major role in neurological disorders, including autism. Modulation of the gut microbiota through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) or probiotic administration, such as Bifidobacteria, is suggested to alleviate autistic symptoms; however, their effects on the brain are not fully examined. We tested both approaches in a propionic acid (PPA) rodent model of autism as treatment strategies. Autism was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by administering PPA orally (250 mg/kg) for 3 days. Animals were later treated with either saline, FMT, or Bifidobacteria for 22 days. Control animals were treated with saline throughout the study. Social behavior and selected brain biochemical markers related to stress hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress were assessed. PPA treatment induced social impairments, which was rescued by the treatments. In the brain, Bifidobacteria treatment increased oxytocin relative to control and PPA groups. Moreover, Bifidobacteria treatment rescued the PPA-induced increase in IFN-γ levels. Both treatments increased GST levels, which was diminished by the PPA treatment. These findings indicate the potential of gut microbiota-targeted therapeutics in ameliorating behavioral deficit and underlying neural biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameera Abuaish
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah M Al-Otaibi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kawther Aabed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki S Abujamel
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleha Ahmad Alzahrani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sohailah Masoud Alotaibi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramesa Shafi Bhat
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaista Arzoo
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Algahtani
- Central Research Laboratory, King Saud University Female Campus, P O Box 22452, Prince Turki Road, Riyadh, 22452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadine Ms Moubayed
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Research Laboratory, King Saud University Female Campus, P O Box 22452, Prince Turki Road, Riyadh, 22452, Saudi Arabia.
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20
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Li Y, Wang Y, Zhang T. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:2905-2915. [PMID: 36544550 PMCID: PMC9762410 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s382571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in infancy. In recent years, the incidence of ASD in the world is increasing year by year. At present, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD are not clear, and effective treatments are still lacking. In addition to neurobehavioral symptoms, children with ASD often have obvious gastrointestinal symptoms. Gut microbiota is a large microbial community in the human gut, which is closely related to the nervous system and can affect brain development and behavior through the neuroendocrine, neuroimmune and autonomic nervous systems, forming a microbiota-gut-brain axis connection. Recent studies have shown that children with ASD have significant gut microbiota and metabolic disorders, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is expected to improve ASD-related symptoms by regulating gut microbiota and metabolism. This review paper will therefore focus on FMT in the treatment of ASD, and FMT is effective in improving gastrointestinal and neurobehavioral symptoms in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youran Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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21
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Chernikova MA, Flores GD, Kilroy E, Labus JS, Mayer EA, Aziz-Zadeh L. The Brain-Gut-Microbiome System: Pathways and Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124497. [PMID: 34960049 PMCID: PMC8704412 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal dysfunction is one of the most prevalent physiological symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A growing body of largely preclinical research suggests that dysbiotic gut microbiota may modulate brain function and social behavior, yet little is known about the mechanisms that underlie these relationships and how they may influence the pathogenesis or severity of ASD. While various genetic and environmental risk factors have been implicated in ASD, this review aims to provide an overview of studies elucidating the mechanisms by which gut microbiota, associated metabolites, and the brain interact to influence behavior and ASD development, in at least a subgroup of individuals with gastrointestinal problems. Specifically, we review the brain-gut-microbiome system and discuss findings from current animal and human studies as they relate to social-behavioral and neurological impairments in ASD, microbiota-targeted therapies (i.e., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) in ASD, and how microbiota may influence the brain at molecular, structural, and functional levels, with a particular interest in social and emotion-related brain networks. A deeper understanding of microbiome-brain-behavior interactions has the potential to inform new therapies aimed at modulating this system and alleviating both behavioral and physiological symptomatology in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Chernikova
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.A.C.); (G.D.F.); (E.K.)
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Psychology Department, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
| | - Genesis D. Flores
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.A.C.); (G.D.F.); (E.K.)
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Psychology Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
| | - Emily Kilroy
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.A.C.); (G.D.F.); (E.K.)
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Labus
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, Brain Research Institute UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emeran A. Mayer
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: (E.A.M.); (L.A.-Z.)
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.A.C.); (G.D.F.); (E.K.)
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence: (E.A.M.); (L.A.-Z.)
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22
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Lombardi M, Troisi J. Gut Reactions: How Far Are We from Understanding and Manipulating the Microbiota Complexity and the Interaction with Its Host? Lessons from Autism Spectrum Disorder Studies. Nutrients 2021; 13:3492. [PMID: 34684493 PMCID: PMC8538077 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by early onset difficulties in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests. It is characterized by familial aggregation, suggesting that genetic factors play a role in disease development, in addition to developmentally early environmental factors. Here, we review the role of the gut microbiome in autism, as it has been characterized in case-control studies. We discuss how methodological differences may have led to inconclusive or contradictory results, even though a disproportion between harmful and beneficial bacteria is generally described in autism. Furthermore, we review the studies concerning the effects of gut microbial-based and dietary interventions on autism symptoms. Also, in this case, the results are not comparable due to the lack of standardized methods. Therefore, autism-specific microbiome signatures and, consequently, possible microbiome-oriented interventions are far from being recognized. We argue that a multi-omic longitudinal implementation may be useful to study metabolic changes connected to microbiome changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lombardi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; or
- Theoreo Srl Spin Off Company, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; or
- Theoreo Srl Spin Off Company, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
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23
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Fecal Transplant and Bifidobacterium Treatments Modulate Gut Clostridium Bacteria and Rescue Social Impairment and Hippocampal BDNF Expression in a Rodent Model of Autism. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081038. [PMID: 34439657 PMCID: PMC8391663 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis, including an overall increase in Clostridium. Modulation of the gut microbiota is suggested to improve autistic symptoms. In this study, we explored the implementation of two different interventions that target the microbiota in a rodent model of autism and their effects on social behavior: the levels of different fecal Clostridium spp., and hippocampal transcript levels. Autism was induced in young Sprague Dawley male rats using oral gavage of propionic acid (PPA) for three days, while controls received saline. PPA-treated animals were divided to receive either saline, fecal transplant from healthy donor rats, or Bifidobacterium for 22 days, while controls continued to receive saline. We found that PPA attenuated social interaction in animals, which was rescued by the two interventions. PPA-treated animals had a significantly increased abundance of fecal C. perfringens with a concomitant decrease in Clostridium cluster IV, and exhibited high hippocampal Bdnf expression compared to controls. Fecal microbiota transplantation or Bifidobacterium treatment restored the balance of fecal Clostridium spp. and normalized the level of Bdnf expression. These findings highlight the involvement of the gut-brain axis in the etiology of autism and propose possible interventions in a preclinical model of autism.
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24
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Gut microbiota alteration and modulation in psychiatric disorders: Current evidence on fecal microbiota transplantation. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 109:110258. [PMID: 33497754 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The micro-organisms residing within the gastrointestinal tract, namely gut microbiota, form a dynamic population proper of each individual, mostly composed by bacteria which co-evolved symbiotically with human species. The advances of culture-independent techniques allowed the understanding of the multiple functions of the gut microbiota in human physiology and disease, the latter often recognising a predisposing condition in an imbalanced intestinal microbial ecosystem (dysbiosis). A complex mutual interconnection between the central nervous system (CNS), the intestine and the gut microbiota, known as "microbiota-gut-brain axis", has been hypothesized to play a pivotal role in maintaining central and peripheral functions, as well as mental health. Thus, dysbiosis with specific microbiota imbalances seems to be strongly associated with the onset psychiatric disorders by altering neurodevelopment, enhancing neurodegeneration, affecting behaviour and mood. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) consists of transferring the fecal matter from a donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient, and it is used to quickly modulate the gut microbiota. This review focuses on the uses of FMT in psychiatric disorders. FMT has been used to induce dysbiosis and to study the disease development, or to heal dysbiosis-related mental disorders. Overall, FMT of impaired microbiota resulted effective in enhancing psychiatric-like disturbances (mainly depression and anxiety) in recipient animals, plausibly by impairing immune system, inflammatory and metabolic pathways, neurochemical processes and neuro-transmission. On the other side, preclinical and clinical data suggest that reversing or mitigating dysbiosis seems a promising strategy to restore behavioural impairments or to obtain psychiatric symptom relief. However, current evidence is limited by the lack of procedural standardization, the paucity of human studies in the vastity of psychiatric conditions and the need of a microbiota-targeted donor-recipient matching.
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25
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Ye J, Wang H, Cui L, Chu S, Chen N. The progress of chemokines and chemokine receptors in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:268-280. [PMID: 34077795 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders and the main symptoms of ASD are impairments in social communication and abnormal behavioral patterns. Studies have shown that immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation play a key role in ASD patients and experimental models. Chemokines are groups of small proteins that regulate cell migration and mediate inflammation responses via binding to chemokine receptors. Thus, chemokines/chemokine receptors may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders and associated with ASD. In this review, we summarize the research progress of chemokine aberrations in ASD and also review the recent progress of clinical treatment of ASD and pharmacological research related to chemokines/chemokine receptors. This review highlights the possible connection between chemokines/chemokine receptors and ASD, and provides novel potential targets for drug discovery of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junrui Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Liyuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Naihong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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26
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Methiwala HN, Vaidya B, Addanki VK, Bishnoi M, Sharma SS, Kondepudi KK. Gut microbiota in mental health and depression: role of pre/pro/synbiotics in their modulation. Food Funct 2021; 12:4284-4314. [PMID: 33955443 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo02855j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The microbiome residing in the human gut performs a wide range of biological functions. Recently, it has been elucidated that a change in dietary habits is associated with alteration in the gut microflora which results in increased health risks and vulnerability towards various diseases. Falling in line with the same concept, depression has also been shown to increase its prevalence around the globe, especially in the western world. Various research studies have suggested that changes in the gut microbiome profile further result in decreased tolerance of stress. Although currently available medications help in relieving the symptoms of depressive disorders briefly, these drugs are not able to completely reverse the multifactorial pathology of depression. The discovery of the communication pathway between gut microbes and the brain, i.e. the Gut-Brain Axis, has led to new areas of research to find more effective and safer alternatives to current antidepressants. The use of probiotics and prebiotics has been suggested as being effective in various preclinical studies and clinical trials for depression. Therefore, in the present review, we address the new antidepressant mechanisms via gut microbe alterations and provide insight into how these can provide an alternative to antidepressant therapy without the side effects and risk of adverse drug reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasnain N Methiwala
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India.
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27
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Eitan S, Madison CA, Kuempel J. The self-serving benefits of being a good host: A role for our micro-inhabitants in shaping opioids' function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:284-295. [PMID: 33894242 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are highly efficacious in their ability to relieve pain, but they are liable for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Risk factors to develop opioid use disorders (OUD) include chronic stress, socio-environment, and preexisting major depressive disorders (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Additionally, opioids reduce gut motility, induce loss of gut barrier function, and alter the composition of the trillions of microbes hosted in the gastrointestinal tract, known as the gut microbiota. The microbiota are significant contributors to the reciprocal communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gut, termed the gut-brain axis. They have strong influences on their host behaviors, including the ability to cope with stress, sociability, affect, mood, and anxiety. Thus, they are implicated in the etiology of MDD and PTSD. Here we review the latest studies demonstrating that intestinal flora can, directly and indirectly, by affecting sociability levels, responses to stress, and mental state, alter the responses to opioids. It suggests that microbiota can potentially be used to increase the resilience to develop analgesic tolerance and OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshana Eitan
- Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Caitlin A Madison
- Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jacob Kuempel
- Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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28
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Gheorghe CE, Ritz NL, Martin JA, Wardill HR, Cryan JF, Clarke G. Investigating causality with fecal microbiota transplantation in rodents: applications, recommendations and pitfalls. Gut Microbes 2021; 13:1941711. [PMID: 34328058 PMCID: PMC8331043 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1941711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, studies investigating the role of the gut microbiota in health and diseases have increased enormously - making it essential to deepen and question the research methodology employed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in rodent studies (either from human or animal donors) allows us to better understand the causal role of the intestinal microbiota across multiple fields. However, this technique lacks standardization and requires careful experimental design in order to obtain optimal results. By comparing several studies in which rodents are the final recipients of FMT, we summarize the common practices employed. In this review, we document the limitations of this method and highlight different parameters to be considered while designing FMT Studies. Standardizing this method is challenging, as it differs according to the research topic, but avoiding common pitfalls is feasible. Several methodological questions remain unanswered to this day and we offer a discussion on issues to be explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra E. Gheorghe
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Nathaniel L. Ritz
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jason A. Martin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Hannah R. Wardill
- Precision Medicine, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - John F. Cryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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29
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Roussin L, Prince N, Perez-Pardo P, Kraneveld AD, Rabot S, Naudon L. Role of the Gut Microbiota in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical and Preclinical Evidence. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091369. [PMID: 32906656 PMCID: PMC7563175 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 160 people in the world. Although there is a strong genetic heritability to ASD, it is now accepted that environmental factors can play a role in its onset. As the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is four-times higher in ASD patients, the potential implication of the gut microbiota in this disorder is being increasingly studied. A disturbed microbiota composition has been demonstrated in ASD patients, accompanied by altered production of bacterial metabolites. Clinical studies as well as preclinical studies conducted in rodents have started to investigate the physiological functions that gut microbiota might disturb and thus underlie the pathophysiology of ASD. The first data support an involvement of the immune system and tryptophan metabolism, both in the gut and central nervous system. In addition, a few clinical studies and a larger number of preclinical studies found that modulation of the microbiota through antibiotic and probiotic treatments, or fecal microbiota transplantation, could improve behavior. Although the understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in the physiopathology of ASD is only in its early stages, the data gathered in this review highlight that this role should be taken in consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Roussin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France;
- Correspondence:
| | - Naika Prince
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.P.); (P.P.-P.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Paula Perez-Pardo
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.P.); (P.P.-P.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Aletta D. Kraneveld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.P.); (P.P.-P.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Sylvie Rabot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France;
| | - Laurent Naudon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France;
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30
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Lee CYQ, Franks AE, Hill-Yardin EL. Autism-associated synaptic mutations impact the gut-brain axis in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 88:275-282. [PMID: 32485290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between the gut microbiome and the brain affect mood and behaviour in health and disease. Using preclinical animal models, recent discoveries begin to explain how bacteria in the gut influence our mood as well as highlighting new findings relevant to autism. Autism-associated gene mutations known to alter synapse function in the CNS also affect inflammatory response and modify the enteric nervous system resulting in abnormal gastrointestinal motility and structure. Strikingly, these mutations additionally affect the gut microbiome in mice. This review describes the changes in gut physiology and microbiota in mouse models of autism with modified synapse function. The rationale for different regions of the gastrointestinal tract having variable susceptibility to dysfunction is also discussed. To dissect underlying biological mechanisms involving gut-brain axis dysfunction in preclinical models, a range of multidisciplinary approaches are required. This research will provide insights into the role of the gut-brain axis in health and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley E Franks
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
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Chinna Meyyappan A, Forth E, Wallace CJK, Milev R. Effect of fecal microbiota transplant on symptoms of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:299. [PMID: 32539741 PMCID: PMC7294648 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Gut-Brain-Axis is a bidirectional signaling pathway between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the brain. The hundreds of trillions of microorganisms populating the gastrointestinal tract are thought to modulate this connection, and have far reaching effects on the immune system, central and autonomic nervous systems, and GI functioning. These interactions Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders have also been linked to various psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, autism spectrum disorder, and eating disorders. It is hypothesized that techniques aimed at strengthening and repopulating the gut microbiome, such as Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT), may be useful in the prevention and treatment of psychiatric illnesses. METHODS A systematic search of five databases was conducted using key terms related to FMT and psychiatric illnesses. All results were then evaluated based on specific eligibility criteria. RESULTS Twenty-one studies met the eligibility criteria and were analysed for reported changes in mood and behavioural measures indicative of psychiatric wellbeing. The studies included were either entirely clinical (n = 8), preclinical with human donors (n = 9), or entirely preclinical (n = 11). All studies found a decrease in depressive and anxiety-like symptoms and behaviours resulting from the transplantation of healthy microbiota. The inverse was also found, with the transmission of depressive and anxiety-like symptoms and behaviours resulting from the transplantation of microbiota from psychiatrically ill donors to healthy recipients. CONCLUSION There appears to be strong evidence for the treatment and transmission of psychiatric illnesses through FMT. Further research with larger sample sizes and stronger scientific design is warranted in order to fully determine the efficacy and safety of this potential treatment. Registered on PROSPERO, IRD: CRD42019126795.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Chinna Meyyappan
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, 752 King St. West, Kingston, ON, K7L 4X3, Canada. .,Providence Care Hospital, 752 King St. West, Kingston, ON, K7L 4X3, Canada. .,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, 18 Stuart St., Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Evan Forth
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, 752 King St. West, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3 Canada ,Providence Care Hospital, 752 King St. West, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3 Canada ,grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, 18 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Caroline J. K. Wallace
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, 752 King St. West, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3 Canada ,Providence Care Hospital, 752 King St. West, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3 Canada ,grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, 18 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Roumen Milev
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, 752 King St. West, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3 Canada ,Providence Care Hospital, 752 King St. West, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3 Canada ,grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, 18 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada ,grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, 62 Arch St., Kingston, K7L 3L3 ON Canada
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