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Pérez-Cabral ID, Bernal-Mercado AT, Islas-Rubio AR, Suárez-Jiménez GM, Robles-García MÁ, Puebla-Duarte AL, Del-Toro-Sánchez CL. Exploring Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Foods 2024; 13:3010. [PMID: 39335937 PMCID: PMC11431671 DOI: 10.3390/foods13183010] [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: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, and it has a growing prevalence worldwide. Symptoms include cognitive impairments, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, feeding difficulties, and psychological problems. A significant concern in ASD is food selectivity, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Common GI issues in ASD, such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, stem from abnormal gut flora and immune system dysregulation. Sensory sensitivities and behavioral challenges exacerbate these problems, correlating with neurological symptom severity. Children with ASD also exhibit higher oxidative stress due to low antioxidant levels like glutathione. Therapeutic diets, including ketogenic, high-antioxidant, gluten-free and casein-free, and probiotic-rich diets, show potential in managing ASD symptoms like behavior, communication, GI issues, and oxidative stress, though the evidence is limited. Various studies have focused on different populations, but there is increasing concern about the impact among children. This review aims to highlight the food preferences of the ASD population, analyze the effect of the physicochemical and nutritional properties of foods on the selectivity in its consumption, GI problems, and antioxidant deficiencies in individuals with ASD, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic diets, including diets rich in antioxidants, gluten-free and casein-free, ketogenic and essential fatty acids, and probiotic-rich diets in managing these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alma Rosa Islas-Rubio
- Coordinación de Tecnología de Alimentos de Origen Vegetal, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.), Hermosillo 83304, SO, Mexico
| | | | - Miguel Ángel Robles-García
- Department of Medical and Life Sciences, Cienega University Center (CUCIÉNEGA), University of Guadalajara, Av. Universidad 1115, Lindavista, Ocotlán 47820, JA, Mexico
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Kurokawa S, Nomura K, Sanada K, Miyaho K, Ishii C, Fukuda S, Iwamoto C, Naraoka M, Yoneda S, Imafuku M, Matsuzaki J, Saito Y, Mimura M, Kishimoto T. A comparative study on dietary diversity and gut microbial diversity in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, their neurotypical siblings, and non-related neurotypical volunteers: a cross-sectional study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:1184-1195. [PMID: 38562118 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown a significant link between gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, much remains unknown because of the heterogeneity of disorders and the potential confounders such as dietary patterns and control group variations. METHODS Children aged 6-12 years who had been clinically diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD, their unaffected neurotypical siblings, and non-related neurotypical volunteers were recruited cross-sectionally. The ASD diagnosis was confirmed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) in all patients, including those with ADHD. Standardized DNA extraction and sequencing methods were used to compare gut microbial alpha-diversity among the groups. Dietary diversity was calculated from a standardized dietary questionnaire form. We compared the difference in gut microbiome between patients with ASD and/or ADHD with neurotypical siblings and non-related neurotypical controls. RESULTS Ninety-eight subjects were included in the study (18 with ASD, 19 with ADHD, 20 with both ASD and ADHD, 13 neurotypical siblings, and 28 non-related neurotypical controls). The alpha-diversity indices, such as Chao 1 and Shannon index, showed a significant difference between the groups in a Linear mixed-effect model (F(4, 93) = 4.539, p = .02), (F(4, 93) = 3.185, p = .017), respectively. In a post-hoc pairwise comparison, patients with ASD had lower alpha-diversity compared with non-related controls after Bonferroni correction. Dietary diversity shown in Shannon index did not differ among the groups (F(4, 84) = 1.494, p = .211). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates disorder-specific microbiome differences in patients with ASD. In future research on gut microbiota in neurodevelopmental disorders, it is necessary to consider the impact of ASD and ADHD co-occurrence, and strictly control for background information such as diet, to elucidate the gut-microbiota interaction in ASD and ADHD for exploring the potential of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Kurokawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensuke Nomura
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Shimada Ryoiku Medical Center for Challenged Children, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Sanada
- Department of Psychiatry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuma Miyaho
- Department of Psychiatry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiharu Ishii
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
| | - Shinji Fukuda
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
- Laboratory for Regenerative Microbiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Gut Environmental Design Group, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Japan
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Chiaki Iwamoto
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minori Naraoka
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yoneda
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Juntaro Matsuzaki
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Saito
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taishiro Kishimoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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Alqoaer K, Alenzi MO, Abuharfel D, Alenazi A. Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e68292. [PMID: 39350805 PMCID: PMC11441111 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.68292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives This study aimed to explore the frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and associated risk factors among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods This was a retrospective case-control study including children aged 2-14 years diagnosed with ASD by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 criteria and the assessment card in the ASD center at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital. Data were obtained using a self-developed questionnaire that included demographic features, nutritional and behavioral characteristics, and GI symptoms in the previous six months. The control group consisted of typically developing (TD) children matched to the ASD group for age and gender. Syndromic autism with defined somatic abnormalities and recognized genetic causes (e.g., fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis) were excluded Results A total of 146 ASD children and 114 normal children were included. No significant demographic differences were found between the groups. The ASD group had a higher frequency of low income and a significantly lower rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months. GI symptoms, specifically constipation, abdominal gases and distension, diarrhea, undigested food particles in stool, and mouth ulcers, were significantly more frequent in the ASD group. Weight abnormalities (both increase and decrease) were also more common. Family history of ASD was significantly more in ASD children with GI symptoms while low maternal education was more in those without. Conclusion This study reveals a high prevalence of GI symptoms in ASD children. Family history of ASD and maternal education may influence the GI symptoms reported in ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Alqoaer
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU
| | - Maryam O Alenzi
- Pediatric Medicine, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU
| | - Doha Abuharfel
- Pediatric Medicine, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU
| | - Aziza Alenazi
- Family Medicine, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU
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Sotelo-Orozco J, Hertz-Picciotto I. The Association Between Gastrointestinal Issues and Psychometric Scores in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, Down Syndrome, and Typical Development. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06387-2. [PMID: 38739245 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06387-2] [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] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Investigate the association between gastrointestinal (GI) issues and psychometric scores among children with developmental delays and typical development. We examined the association between GI issues and the Mullen Scale of Early Learning (MSEL), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Subscales (VABS), and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores from participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome (DS), other developmental delays (DD) and typical development (TD) from the CHildhood Autism Risk from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) Study (n = 1603). Approximately 32% of children with ASD, 31% of children with DD, and 20% of children with DS reported at least one GI issue, compared to 7% of TD controls. Constipation was the most frequently reported symptom for the entire population, including controls. In general, GI issues correlated with poorer behavioral scores (decreased communication, daily living, socialization, and motor skills on the VABS, and increased irritability/agitation, lethargy/social withdrawal, stereotypic behavior, and hyperactivity/noncompliance on the ABC) among ASD cases. Analysis by sex indicated that GI issues also correlated with poorer cognitive scores (fine motor, receptive language, expressive language, and MSEL composite scores), and adaptive behavior (communication skills, daily living skills, motor, and VABS composite scores) among boys with DD, but not girls with DD-suggesting sex differences among DD cases. Even TD controls showed increased stereotypic behavior and social withdrawal in association with GI issues. However, GI issues were not correlated with impairments in psychometric scores among DS cases. Given that GI issues correlate with deficits in behavioral and cognitive scores, future studies should investigate the treatment of GI symptoms in children with ASD and DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Sotelo-Orozco
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
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Alharbi MH. Parents' perceptions of the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on the eating behaviors and routines of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1296643. [PMID: 38606405 PMCID: PMC11007085 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1296643] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Restricted interests and repetitive behavior are characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The likelihood that persons with ASD will respond adversely to unfamiliar situations is great. The novel coronavirus outbreak has resulted in disruptions to all aspects of routine and behavior. Hence, this study proposed to investigate the impact of the outbreak on the eating behavior and routines of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia through the perceptions of their parents. Method A cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was utilized to obtain data from 150 parents of children with ASD aged ≤18 years in Saudi Arabia. The data collected included demographic data of the parents, the ASD status of the family, impact of COVID-19 to the family, eating behavior of the children with ASD, and daily routines of the children with ASD. Moreover, parents were able to provide comments regarding their children's eating behavior or daily routines. Results The study found that changes in the eating behavior of children with ASD were found to differ significantly (p<0.05) based on the number of children with ASD, the age of the children with ASD, the gender of the children with ASD, and the severity of their ASD symptoms. Moreover, changes to dinner-time routines were found to differ significantly (p<0.05) based on the age of the children with ASD. Also, changes to morning routines were found to differ significantly (p<0.05) based on the age of the children with ASD, their gender, and the severity of their ASD symptoms. Additionally, impact of COVID-19 to the family had a significant impact to eating behavior and daily routines of the children with ASD. Conclusion This study found that the eating behavior and daily routines of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia have been considerably worsened and changed. The study recommends the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams and parents to modify or design interventions that help to change their eating behavior and routine can be implemented in the home. It also recommends the provision of virtual helplines to aid parents of children with ASD in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudi H. Alharbi
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
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Wenzell ML, Pulver SL, McMahon MXH, Rubio EK, Gillespie S, Berry RC, Betancourt I, Minter B, Schneider O, Yarasani C, Rogers D, Scahill L, Volkert V, Sharp WG. Clinical Correlates and Prevalence of Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pediatr 2024:114004. [PMID: 38447756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine clinical correlates and prevalence of food selectivity (FS) - i.e., self-restricted diet, reluctance to try new foods - in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ascertained from a general outpatient autism clinic. STUDY DESIGN A multidisciplinary team (pediatric nurse practitioner, psychologist and dietitian) assessed medical and psychosocial histories and dietary habits in 103 children with ASD (mean age= 5.8 + 2.2 years; range 2-10). Parents rated child mealtime behavior on Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) and disruptive behavior on Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). Height and weight measurements were collected. Children were classified as FS or no FS based on parent reported intake and mealtime behavior. A 24-hour dietary recall was used to record intake percentages < 80%. Logistic regression and multivariable modeling were used to evaluate clinical correlates with FS. RESULTS Of 103 children, 45.6% (n=47) were classified as FS; 54.4% (n=56) no FS. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of FS increased by 1.91 (95% CI: 1.38, 2.64, p<.001) for every half-SD increase in BAMBI total score and by 1.35 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.74, p=.020) for every half-SD increase in ABC Hyperactivity/Noncompliance. No group differences in anthropometrics or nutritional intake were identified. CONCLUSIONS FS in children with ASD was strongly associated with greater severity of disruptive mealtime and hyperactivity/noncompliance behaviors. FS was not associated with anthropometrics or nutritional intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Wenzell
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033.
| | - Stormi L Pulver
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Meara X H McMahon
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Emily Kate Rubio
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Scott Gillespie
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Rashelle C Berry
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Ivanna Betancourt
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Bonnie Minter
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Olivia Schneider
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Chitra Yarasani
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Destinee Rogers
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Lawrence Scahill
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - Valerie Volkert
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
| | - William G Sharp
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30033
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Kim J. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Eating Problems: The Imbalance of Gut Microbiota and the Gut-Brain Axis Hypothesis. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2024; 35:51-56. [PMID: 38204735 PMCID: PMC10774563 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the complexities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), primarily focusing on the significant eating challenges faced by children and adolescents with this neurodevelopmental condition. It is common for individuals with ASD to exhibit heightened sensitivity to various sensory aspects of food such as taste, texture, smell, and visual appeal, leading to restricted and less diverse diets. These dietary limitations are believed to contribute to an imbalance in the gut microbiota. This review elaborates on how these eating problems, coupled with the distinctive characteristics of ASD, might be influenced by and, in turn, influence the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This discussion aims to shed light on the multifaceted interactions and potential implications of diet, gut health, and neurological development and function in children and adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Kim
- NUSEUM Inc., Seoul, Korea
- Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Önal S, Sachadyn-Król M, Kostecka M. A Review of the Nutritional Approach and the Role of Dietary Components in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Light of the Latest Scientific Research. Nutrients 2023; 15:4852. [PMID: 38068711 PMCID: PMC10708497 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects several areas of mental development. The onset of ASD occurs in the first few years of life, usually before the age of 3 years. Proper nutrition is important to ensure that an individual's nutrient and energy requirements are met, and it can also have a moderating effect on the progression of the disorder. A systematic database search was conducted as a narrative review to determine whether nutrition and specific diets can potentially alter gastrointestinal symptoms and neurobehavioral disorders. Databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar were searched to find studies published between 2000 and September 2023 on the relationship between ASD, dietary approaches, and the role of dietary components. The review may indicate that despite extensive research into dietary interventions, there is a general lack of conclusive scientific data about the effect of therapeutic diets on ASD; therefore, no definitive recommendation can be made for any specific nutritional therapy as a standard treatment for ASD. An individualized dietary approach and the dietician's role in the therapeutic team are very important elements of every therapy. Parents and caregivers should work with nutrition specialists, such as registered dietitians or healthcare providers, to design meal plans for autistic individuals, especially those who would like to implement an elimination diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Önal
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Health Sciences Institute, Ankara University, 06110 Ankara, Turkey;
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fırat University, 23200 Elazığ, Turkey
| | - Monika Sachadyn-Król
- Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Kostecka
- Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
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Guiducci L, Cabiati M, Santocchi E, Prosperi M, Morales MA, Muratori F, Randazzo E, Federico G, Calderoni S, Del Ry S. Expression of miRNAs in Pre-Schoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders Compared with Typically Developing Peers and Its Effects after Probiotic Supplementation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7162. [PMID: 38002774 PMCID: PMC10672692 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227162] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alteration of the microbiota-gut-brain axis has been recently recognized as a possible contributor to the physiopathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this context, microRNA (miRNAs) dysfunction, implicated both in several neuropathological conditions including ASD and in different gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs), could represent an important modulating factor. In this contextual framework, we studied the transcriptional profile of specific circulating miRNAs associated with both ASD (miR-197-5p, miR-424-5p, miR-500a-5p, miR-664a-5p) and GID (miR-21-5p, miR-320a-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-223-5p) in a group of pre-schoolers with ASD and in typically developing (TD) peers. In the ASD group, we also assessed the same miRNAs after a 6-month supplementation with probiotics and their correlation with plasma levels of zonulin and lactoferrin. At baseline, the expression of miRNAs involved in ASD were significantly reduced in ASD pre-schoolers vs. TD controls. Regarding the miRNAs involved in GID, the expression levels of miR-320-5p, miR-31-5p, and miR-223-5p were significantly higher in ASD than in TD subjects, whereas miR-21-5p showed significantly reduced expression in the ASD group vs. TD group. Supplementation with probiotics did not significantly change the expression of miRNAs in the ASD population. We found a significative negative correlation between zonulin and miR-197-5p and miR-21-5p at baseline, as well as between lactoferrin and miR-223-5p after 6 months of probiotic supplementation. Our study confirms the presence of an altered profile of the miRNAs investigated in ASD versus TD peers that was not modified by supplementation with probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Guiducci
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Manuela Cabiati
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- UFSMIA Zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 55032 Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Italy;
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- UFSMIA Valdera-Alta Val di Cecina, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria Aurora Morales
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Emioli Randazzo
- Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.R.); (G.F.)
| | - Giovanni Federico
- Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.R.); (G.F.)
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Del Ry
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
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Dovgan K, Gynegrowski K, Ferguson BJ. Bidirectional relationship between internalizing symptoms and gastrointestinal problems in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4488-4494. [PMID: 35441914 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05539-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience co-occurring conditions, such as gastrointestinal (GI) problems and internalizing symptoms. However, the relationship among these co-occurring problems is not well-understood. We analyzed parent reports of GI problems and internalizing symptoms of 621 youth with ASD using path models in a structural equation modeling framework. The best-fitting model was a bidirectional model wherein internalizing symptoms, including withdrawn and anxious behavior, were correlated with GI problems, including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. This study provides a better understanding of the relationship among co-occurring conditions in youth with ASD and should encourage clinicians to consider treatment of underlying internalizing symptoms or GI problems when providing services for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Dovgan
- Marist College, Department of Psychology, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States.
| | - Kyra Gynegrowski
- Marist College, Department of Psychology, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States
| | - Bradley J Ferguson
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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11
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Panerai S, Catania V, Ingoglia S, Ruccella D, Ferri R, Zingale M, Fasciana D, Elia M. Eating and Sensory Features of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Typically Developing Peers. Am J Occup Ther 2023; 77:7706205040. [PMID: 38018651 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2023.050226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Impaired sensory processing is associated with eating problems. There seem to be no previous studies that compare those who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with eating problems (ASD-W) and those with ASD without eating problems (ASD-WO) with typically developing (TD) groups. Comparisons are expected to provide further knowledge to guide the intervention programs. OBJECTIVE To investigate differences among ASD-W, ASD-WO, and TD groups in eating and sensory features; to detect associations between sensory and eating behaviors and any most involved sensory dimensions; and to search for age-related differences in sensory and eating features in ASD. DESIGN Nonrandomized comparison study. SETTING Questionnaires administered as parent interviews. PARTICIPANTS A total of 165 children were recruited: 117 with ASD and 48 TD children. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Standardized questionnaires: the Brief Autism Mealtime Behaviors Inventory for eating problems; the Short Sensory Profile and the Sensory Experience Questionnaire for sensory problems. RESULTS The ASD-W group showed generalized, impaired eating behaviors and turned out to be the most impaired with regard to sensory responsiveness. No differences in feeding behaviors were found between the ASD-WO and TD groups. All children with ASD showed sensory hyper- or hyporesponsiveness. Four main sensory dimensions were found to be associated with eating behaviors in ASD. No age differences were found in the eating and sensory behaviors of children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Differing eating and sensory profiles were found between the ASD and TD groups, especially in children with ASD-W. Early eating interventions using sensory stimulations are strongly recommended. What This Article Adds: This study reports novel information derived from the comparisons of children with ASD with eating problems and those with ASD without eating problems with typically developing groups of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Panerai
- Simonetta Panerai, PsyD, is Head Psychologist, Unit of Psychology, Department of Brain Aging, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy;
| | - Valentina Catania
- Valentina Catania, PsyD, is Psychologist, Unit of Psychology, Department of Brain Aging, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Sonia Ingoglia
- Sonia Ingoglia, PsyD, is Full Professor, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Ruccella
- Daniela Ruccella, PsyD, is Psychologist, Psychoeducational Service for Children with Autism and Intellectual Disability, Società Cooperativa Sociale "I Corrieri dell'Oasi," Troina, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Raffaele Ferri, MD, is Scientific Director, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Marinella Zingale
- Marinella Zingale, PsyD, is Psychologist, Unit of Psychology, Department of Mental Retardation, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Daniela Fasciana
- Daniela Fasciana, PsyD, is Coordinator Psychologist, Center for Diagnosis and Early Intensive Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Local Health Authority, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Maurizio Elia, MD, is Director, Unit of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
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12
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Gan H, Su Y, Zhang L, Huang G, Lai C, Lv Y, Li Y. Questionnaire-based analysis of autism spectrum disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1120728. [PMID: 37565245 PMCID: PMC10410855 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1120728] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequently experienced by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and these symptoms cause difficulties for these children and their families. However, studies of GI symptom prevalence differ significantly. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze the prevalence of GI symptoms in children with ASD. Methods and findings PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE were electronically searched to collect all literature on gastrointestinal symptoms of children with ASD collected through questionnaires or scales from January 2012 to May 2021. Four researchers independently scanned the literature and extracted information on general characteristics. First author name, year of publication, geographical location, type of study, sample sizes of ASD and control (if any) children, sex and average age, number of GI cases, number of GI symptoms, GI assessment tools (gastrointestinal symptoms scale), autism diagnosis methods, and other necessary data were collected and analyzed using Stata V16. The questionnaires included the Rome, 6-GSI, GIQ, GSRS, GSIQ, ADI-R, PedsQL-GI, parent-report, GI-related, and self-administered questionnaires. Compared with typically developing (TD) children, the odds ratio for In children with ASD with at least one GI symptom was 3.64, and the total prevalence was 55%. The cumulative prevalence rates of various symptoms were summarized, showing that 37% of children with ASD had constipation, 21% had abdominal pain, 19% had diarrhea, 8% had vomiting, and 23% had abdominal distension. Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis on GI symptoms in ASD show that patients with ASD are more likely to develop symptoms than TD children. The prevalence of GI symptoms in In children with ASD was 55%. Systematic Review Registration www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier, #CRD42017080579.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhong Gan
- Department 2nd Clinical Medical College, Organization Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department 2nd Clinical Medical College, Organization Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department 2nd Clinical Medical College, Organization Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guolin Huang
- Department 2nd Clinical Medical College, Organization Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ciai Lai
- Department 2nd Clinical Medical College, Organization Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department Nanfang Hospital, Organization Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongchun Li
- Department Nanfang Hospital, Organization Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Bresciani G, Da Lozzo P, Lega S, Bramuzzo M, Di Leo G, Dissegna A, Colonna V, Barbi E, Carrozzi M, Devescovi R. Gastrointestinal Disorders and Food Selectivity: Relationship with Sleep and Challenging Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020253. [PMID: 36832380 PMCID: PMC9955415 DOI: 10.3390/children10020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, sleep problems, and challenging behaviors in children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their effect on parental stress. The secondary objective was to assess the frequency and type of GI and feeding disorders in a sample of children with ASD through a multidisciplinary assessment and, finally, to investigate families' perceptions and satisfaction with the proposed multidisciplinary approach. All children underwent a comprehensive gastroenterological and neuropsychiatric evaluation supported by standardized questionnaires. Pediatric gastroenterologists, specifically trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), provided advice for parent-delivered behavioral intervention for food selectivity. Thirty-six children with an autism diagnosis (29 males, age 4.5 +/-2.2 years, mean +/- SD) were enrolled. A positive correlation between sleep problems and aggressive behavior was found, and this association was stronger in children experiencing more problematic mealtime behaviors (b = 0.788, p = 0.014). Sleep difficulties were associated with stereotyped behaviors and parent-perceived stress. Parents interviewed about the gastroenterology visit perceived this multidisciplinary approach as helpful in addressing food selectivity. This study shows that sleep and mealtime issues can have a synergistic negative impact on ASD symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach and an integrated assessment of GI, feeding problems, and sleep disorders could be helpful in diagnosing comorbidities and to provide targeted advice to parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bresciani
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Prisca Da Lozzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 38122 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Lega
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Matteo Bramuzzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Grazia Di Leo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Dissegna
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 38122 Trieste, Italy
- CIMeC Centre for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38122 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Vissia Colonna
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 38122 Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Marco Carrozzi
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Raffaella Devescovi
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
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Harris HA, Derks IPM, Prinzie P, Louwerse A, Hillegers MHJ, Jansen PW. Interrelated development of autism spectrum disorder symptoms and eating problems in childhood: a population-based cohort. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1062012. [PMID: 37205222 PMCID: PMC10185905 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1062012] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Eating problems, such as food selectivity or picky eating, are thought to be an epiphenomenon of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Yet eating problems are also common in the general pediatric population and overlap with ASD symptoms. However, the temporal association between ASD symptoms and eating problems is poorly understood. This study examines the bidirectional association between ASD symptoms and eating problems across child development, and investigates whether these associations differ by child sex. Participants (N = 4,930) were from the population-based Generation R Study. Parents reported their child's ASD symptoms and eating problems using the Child Behavior Checklist at 5 assessments from toddlerhood to adolescence (1.5 to 14 years, 50% girls). A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model was used to examine the lagged associations between ASD symptoms and eating problems at the within-person level, controlling for stable, trait-like differences at the between-person level. At the between-person level, there was a strong correlation between ASD symptoms and eating problems (β = .48, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.57). Controlling for these between-person effects, there was limited evidence for consistent, predictive effects of ASD symptoms and eating problems at the within-person level. Associations did not differ by child sex. Findings suggest that ASD symptoms and eating problems may represent a cluster of traits that are highly stable from early childhood to adolescence, which have a minimal reciprocal effect at the individual-level. Future research could focus on these trait-like qualities to inform the development of supportive, family-focused interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A. Harris
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Generation R Study, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Correspondence: Holly A. Harris
| | - Ivonne P. M. Derks
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Generation R Study, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter Prinzie
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anneke Louwerse
- Sophia Children's Hospital, Department of General Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Manon H. J. Hillegers
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pauline W. Jansen
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Generation R Study, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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15
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Vasilakis M, Polychronis K, Panagouli E, Tzila E, Papageorgiou A, Thomaidou L, Psaltopoulou T, Tsolia M, Sergentanis TN, Tsitsika AK. Food Difficulties in Infancy and ASD: A Literature Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010084. [PMID: 36670635 PMCID: PMC9857150 DOI: 10.3390/children10010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this literature review is to investigate the potential association between specific food difficulties and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the first two years of life. MATERIALS The search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and PsycInfo databases. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were synthesized (3763 infants and children). Difficulties during breastfeeding, breast milk refusal and avoidance of taking solids have been linked to ASD. Infants with ASD have been referred to as picky eaters. Problematic mealtime behaviour during infancy has also been associated with ASD. CONCLUSIONS The present review highlights the association between food difficulties, including problematic mealtime behaviours, food selectivity, breastfeeding difficulties and food refusal during infancy and ASD early during life, including the first months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Vasilakis
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Polychronis
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Panagouli
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Efthalia Tzila
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexia Papageorgiou
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Loretta Thomaidou
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Psaltopoulou
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, “Alexandra” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tsolia
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros N. Sergentanis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis K. Tsitsika
- MSc Program “Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-216-0033-788
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16
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The Role of Gut Dysbiosis in the Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010054. [PMID: 36611848 PMCID: PMC9818777 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence shows that the complex gut microbial ecosystem in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract regulates the physiology of the central nervous system (CNS) via microbiota and the gut-brain (MGB) axis. The GI microbial ecosystem communicates with the brain through the neuroendocrine, immune, and autonomic nervous systems. Recent studies have bolstered the involvement of dysfunctional MGB axis signaling in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs). Several investigations on the dynamic microbial system and genetic-environmental interactions with the gut microbiota (GM) have shown that changes in the composition, diversity and/or functions of gut microbes (termed "gut dysbiosis" (GD)) affect neuropsychiatric health by inducing alterations in the signaling pathways of the MGB axis. Interestingly, both preclinical and clinical evidence shows a positive correlation between GD and the pathogenesis and progression of NPDs. Long-term GD leads to overstimulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the neuroimmune system, along with altered neurotransmitter levels, resulting in dysfunctional signal transduction, inflammation, increased oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal death. Further studies on the MGB axis have highlighted the significance of GM in the development of brain regions specific to stress-related behaviors, including depression and anxiety, and the immune system in the early life. GD-mediated deregulation of the MGB axis imbalances host homeostasis significantly by disrupting the integrity of the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB), mucus secretion, and gut immune and brain immune functions. This review collates evidence on the potential interaction between GD and NPDs from preclinical and clinical data. Additionally, we summarize the use of non-therapeutic modulators such as pro-, pre-, syn- and post-biotics, and specific diets or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which are promising targets for the management of NPDs.
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17
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Food Selectivity and Its Implications Associated with Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132660. [PMID: 35807840 PMCID: PMC9268444 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Food selectivity (FS) in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is common, and its impact on a nutritional level is known. However, the etiology of gastrointestinal disorders (GID) related to alterations in the intestinal microbiota in children with ASD remains unclear. This article provides a narrative review of the literature on FS from the last 15 years, and its relationship with GID in children with ASD. Sensory aversion in ASD leads to food elimination, based on consistencies, preferences, and other sensory issues. The restriction of food groups that modulate the gut microbiota, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as the fibers of some cereals, triggers an intestinal dysbiosis with increased abundance in Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella Escherichia/Shigella, and Clostridium XIVa, which, together with an aberrant immune response and a leaky gut, may trigger GID. It is observed that FS can be the product of previous GID. GID could provide information to generate a hypothesis of the bidirectional relationship between FS and GID. Emphasis is placed on the need for more studies with methodological rigor in selecting children with ASD, the need for homogeneous criteria in the evaluation of GID, and the adequate classification of FS in children with ASD.
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Leader G, Dooley E, Whelan S, Gilroy SP, Chen JL, Farren Barton A, Coyne R, Mannion A. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Sleep Problems, Challenging Behavior, Adaptive Behavior, and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dev Neurorehabil 2022; 25:217-228. [PMID: 34365886 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.1964005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between sleep, gastrointestinal symptoms, challenging behavior, adaptive behavior, and quality of life between children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) symptoms. Parents of 118 children and adolescents with ASD completed the Conners Early Childhood Rating Scale-Parent Short Form or the Conners 3-Parent Short Form, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Gastrointestinal Symptom Inventory, Behavior Problems Inventory-Short Form, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition. The ASD group and the ASD with AD/HD groups differed significantly in sleep problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life. Regressions indicated that AD/HD symptoms accounted for a small proportion of the variance for the differences in sleep problems and quality of life. AD/HD symptoms contribute to the complex needs of individuals with ASD. Research is necessary to investigate how these symptoms exacerbate comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Leader
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of PsychologyNational University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Emma Dooley
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of PsychologyNational University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sally Whelan
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of PsychologyNational University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - June L Chen
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Autumn Farren Barton
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of PsychologyNational University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Rory Coyne
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of PsychologyNational University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Arlene Mannion
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of PsychologyNational University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Leader G, Abberton C, Cunningham S, Gilmartin K, Grudzien M, Higgins E, Joshi L, Whelan S, Mannion A. Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:1471. [PMID: 35406084 PMCID: PMC9003052 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aims to offer an updated understanding of the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. The databases PsycINFO, Medline, Cinahl, and ERIC were searched using keywords, and relevant literature was hand-searched. Papers (n = 3319) were systematically screened and deemed eligible if they were empirical studies published in English since 2014 and measured the GIS of individuals with ASD who were under 18 years old. Thirty studies were included in the final review. The study findings were synthesized under eight themes, including the prevalence and nature of GIS and their relationship with developmental regression, language and communication, ASD severity, challenging behavior, comorbid psychopathology, sleep problems, and sensory issues. The review found that GIS were common and that there was contradictory evidence concerning their relationship with co-occurring conditions. It also identified evidence of some causal relationships that support the existence of the gut-immune-brain pathways. Future research needs to use large prospective designs and objective and standardized GIS measurements to provide a nuanced understanding of GIS in the context of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Leader
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Cathal Abberton
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Stephen Cunningham
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Katie Gilmartin
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Margo Grudzien
- Healthy Mind Clinic, 61 Old Church Crescent, Clondalkin, D22 VK63 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Emily Higgins
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Lokesh Joshi
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Sally Whelan
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.)
| | - Arlene Mannion
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.)
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20
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Zhang L, Xu Y, Li H, Li B, Duan G, Zhu C. The role of probiotics in children with autism spectrum disorders: A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263109. [PMID: 35202432 PMCID: PMC8870536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that begins in infancy or earlier and lasts through the individual’s lifetime. The aetiology and mechanisms of ASD are not yet fully understood, and current treatment comprises mainly education and rehabilitation, without significant improvement in the core symptoms. Recent studies suggest that microbiota change in children with ASD after the ingestion of probiotics may improve the balance of microbiota and thus ASD symptoms. Objective The objectives of this study are to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on the symptoms of children with ASD and the possible mechanisms involved. Methods This is a prospective controlled trial. A total of 160 children with ASD will be stratified and allocated to placebo and probiotics groups randomised according to the severity of their ASD symptoms. The probiotics group will be given probiotics supplements orally twice a day for 3 months and the control group will be given a placebo at the same amount, in addition to the baseline therapy of education and rehabilitation. All the children will be evaluated systematically by using different scales, questionnaires before, during, and after 3 months’ treatment, as well as 3 months after discontinuation. The potential impact of probiotics on immunity and inflammation, metabolism, and metagenome will also be investigated. Discussion Our previous study showed that the abundance of intestinal flora was greatly different in children with ASD, and that Bifidobacterium was associated with the severity of ASD. In the present study, we will investigate the impact of probiotics supplementation on the symptoms of Children with ASD, with the purpose of evaluating the possible therapeutic effects of additives on ASD and of providing a reference for clinical treatment. The results will help to disclose as yet unknown relationship between probiotics and ASD. Trial registration This study has been registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-2000037941).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guiqin Duan
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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21
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Alsufiani HM, Alkhanbashi AS, Laswad NAB, Bakhadher KK, Alghamdi SA, Tayeb HO, Tarazi FI. Zinc deficiency and supplementation in autism spectrum disorder and Phelan-McDermid syndrome. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:970-978. [PMID: 35114017 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The disorder is four times more common in males than in females. Zinc deficiency and mutations in SHANK2 and SHANK3 (members of a family of excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding proteins) are all risk factors that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. The presence of shankopathies (loss of one copy of the SHANK3 gene) can lead to the development of Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS)-a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, poor motor tone, and ASD-like symptoms. We reviewed the relationship between zinc, ASD, and PMDS as well as the effect of zinc supplementation in improving symptoms of ASD and PMDS based on 22 studies published within 6 years (2015-2020). Zinc deficiency (assessed by either dietary intake, blood, hair, or tooth matrix) was shown to be highly prevalent in ASD and PMDS patients as well as in preclinical models of ASD and PMDS. Zinc supplements improved the behavioral deficits in animal models of ASD and PMDS. Clinical trials are still needed to validate the beneficial therapeutic effects of zinc supplements in ASD and PMDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeil M Alsufiani
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa S Alkhanbashi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah A Bin Laswad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khulood K Bakhadher
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shareefa A Alghamdi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haythum O Tayeb
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Neuroscience Research Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Frank I Tarazi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Cheng YL, Chu CL, Wu CC. How Do Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Developmental Delays Differ on the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5 DSM-Oriented Scales? CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9010111. [PMID: 35053735 PMCID: PMC8774976 DOI: 10.3390/children9010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5 (CBCL 1.5–5) is applied to identify emotional and behavioral problems on children with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder [ASD] and developmental delays [DD]). To understand whether there are variations between these two groups on CBCL DSM-oriented scales, we took two invariance analyses on 443 children (228 children with ASD). The first analysis used measurement invariance and multiple-group factor analysis on the test structure. The second analysis used item-level analysis, i.e., differential item functioning (DIF), to discover whether group memberships responded differently on some items even though underlying trait levels were the same. It was discovered that, on the test structure, the Anxiety Problems scale did not achieve metric invariance. The other scales achieved metric invariance; DIF analyses further revealed that there were items that functioned differently across subscales. These DIF items were mostly about children’s reactions to the surrounding environment. Our findings provide implications for clinicians to use CBCL DSM-oriented scales on differentiating children with ASD and children with DD. In addition, researchers need to be mindful about how items were responded differently, even though there were no mean differences on the surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Cheng
- Department of Psychology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Lin Chu
- Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling, National Pingtung University, Pingtung 900391, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-L.C.); (C.-C.W.)
| | - Chin-Chin Wu
- Department of Psychology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807377, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-L.C.); (C.-C.W.)
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23
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Wang J, Ma B, Wang J, Zhang Z, Chen O. Global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and its gastrointestinal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:963102. [PMID: 36081466 PMCID: PMC9445193 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.963102] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe public health concern, and Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are becoming more common among co-morbidities. The evidence has to be updated depending on differences in different parts of the world. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to better understand the existing epidemiological condition and help make health-related decisions. METHODS Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase databases are limited to 14 March 2022. We reviewed the global prevalence of ASD and the prevalence of GI in people with ASD. Data were extracted by two independent researchers. Literature quality assessment using the National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tool. RESULTS We discovered that the global pooled prevalence of ASD was 98/10,000 (95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 81/10,000-118/10,000, I 2 = 99.99%, p < 0.001), with 48.67% (95%CI: 43.50 -53.86, I 2 = 99.51%) of individuals with ASD reporting GI symptoms. Based on the subgroup analyses, we found a higher prevalence of ASD in males (90/10,000, 95%CI: 71/10,000-112/10,000, I 2 = 99.99%) than females (21/10,000, 95%CI: 15/10,000-27/10,000, I 2 = 99.99%). Prevalence of pooling is higher in developing countries (155/10,000, 95% CI: 111/10,000-204/10,000, I 2 = 99.87%) than in developed countries (85/10,000, 95%CI: 67/10,000-105/10,000, I 2 = 99.99%). CONCLUSION The global prevalence of ASD and the prevalence of GI symptoms in ASD are both significant. The prevalence of ASD is much higher in men than in women. Further attention to ASD and its related comorbidities will be required in the future to inform coping strategy adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zeyi Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ou Chen
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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24
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Bacherini A, Igliozzi R, Cagiano R, Mancini A, Tancredi R, Muratori F, Balboni G. Behavioral and emotional problems of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder: Effects of parents' sociocultural level and individual factors. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 119:104106. [PMID: 34656889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show higher prevalence and severity of Behavioral and Emotional Problems (BEP) than their peers without ASD. AIMS Investigating the effects of parental factors, i.e., mothers' and fathers' age and Sociocultural Level (Socioeconomic Status, Cultural Capital, and Social Capital), and individual factors, i.e., toddles' age, birth order, general development, autism symptom severity, and adaptive behavior, on the expression of BEP in toddlers with ASD. METHODS Participants were 148 toddlers with ASD (aged 18-37 months) and both their parents. BEP were measured with the Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5 (CBCL) Syndrome and Pervasive developmental problems (PDD) DSM-oriented scales, general development with the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS), autism symptom severity with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), and adaptive behavior with the Vineland-II Adaptive behavior composite. RESULTS Vineland-IIAdaptive behavior composite was negatively associated with the majority of the CBCL scales. In contrast, the ADOS-2 Restrictive and repetitive behavior was negatively and the ADOS-2 Social affect, toddlers' age, and birth order were positively associated with only a few of the CBCL scales (e.g., PDD). GMDS scores were not associated with any CBCL scales. Mothers' age and fathers' Cultural Capital and Social Capital dimensions were negatively associated with specific CBCL scales, even when considered in addition to individuals' factors. CONCLUSIONS Individual and parental factors simultaneously affect the expression of BEP and should be considered for clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bacherini
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza G. Ermini, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta Igliozzi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone
| | - Romina Cagiano
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone
| | - Alice Mancini
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Balboni
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza G. Ermini, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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Raspini B, Prosperi M, Guiducci L, Santocchi E, Tancredi R, Calderoni S, Morales MA, Morelli M, Simione M, Fiechtner L, Muratori F, Cena H. Dietary Patterns and Weight Status in Italian Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Children. Nutrients 2021; 13:4039. [PMID: 34836294 PMCID: PMC8617730 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical eating habits are more common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than typically developing (TD) peers. Feeding problems may lead to the double burden of specific nutrient deficiencies and excessive weight gain, with a consequent increase in obesity prevalence. The dietary intake of Italian preschoolers with ASD compared to their TD peers and the impact of their dietary choices on their weight status and relationship to food selectivity (FS) were investigated. Dietary patterns and their associations with body mass index (BMI) were evaluated in 65 children with ASD and 82 peers with TD aged 1.3-6.4 years. Eating habits were assessed with a modified version of a parent-rated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Moreover, the prevalence of FS and possible links with dietary patterns and BMI were investigated in the ASD group. Children with ASD consumed significantly higher amounts of simple sugars, processed and ultra-processed carbohydrates, both low- and high-fat animal proteins, and lower amounts of vegetables and fruits compared to peers with TD. The obesity rate was 1.5% in children with TD and more than fourfold (6.2%) in children with ASD, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant. FS was significantly more frequent in children with ASD than in peers with TD. Children with ASD and FS showed significantly lower annual intakes of vegetable proteins and fiber (considered essential nutrients for a healthy diet) than children with ASD without FS. Our results showed that children with ASD showed different dietary habits than those with TD, with the higher consumption of energy-dense foods and lower amounts of food-sourced fibers, which could place them at increased risk to develop overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Raspini
- Department of Public Health, Neurosciences, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi, 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Aurora Morales
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mariangela Morelli
- Department of Public Health, Neurosciences, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi, 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Meg Simione
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lauren Fiechtner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Developmental Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Hellas Cena
- Department of Public Health, Neurosciences, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi, 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, ICS Maugeri IRCCS, Via S. Maugeri 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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26
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Are Fecal Metabolome and Microbiota Profiles Correlated with Autism Severity? A Cross-Sectional Study on ASD Preschoolers. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11100654. [PMID: 34677369 PMCID: PMC8539853 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11100654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) make up a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social and communication difficulties associated with repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Besides core features, metabolic imbalances, inflammation, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and altered gut microbiota composition were often described in association with ASD, but their connection with the severity of autism (SA) remains unexplored. In this study, fecal metabolome, microbiota, and calprotectin levels of 80 ASD preschoolers were quantified and correlated with SA. Twelve of the fifty-nine molecules that were quantified by fecal metabolome analysis were significantly associated with SA. No links between SA or GI symptoms and microorganisms' relative abundance were highlighted. Significant correlations between bifidobacteria, Sutterella, lactobacilli relative abundance, and metabolomics profiles were found. These results suggest that fecal metabolome discriminates the SA and intestinal microorganisms mediate the link between metabolome and SA regardless of GI symptomatology. The study raises the possibility that grouping ASD populations through metabolomics and fecal microbiota could aid the identification of specific ASD endophenotypes, on the basis of the SA. Mechanistic studies focusing on detected biomarkers might be an option for future studies.
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27
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Prosperi M, Santocchi E, Brunori E, Cosenza A, Tancredi R, Muratori F, Calderoni S. Prevalence and Clinical Features of Celiac Disease in a Cohort of Italian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093046. [PMID: 34578922 PMCID: PMC8468707 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions whose etiopathogenesis derives from a complex interaction between genetic liability and environmental factors. In this framework, mounting evidence suggests that immune system dysfunction could be a risk factor contributing to the development of ASD in at least a subpopulation of individuals. In particular, some studies suggest an association between celiac disease (CD)—a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine triggered by the ingestion of gluten—and ASD, while others hypothesized a random link. This investigation aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CD in a large sample of school-aged children with ASD and to characterize their clinical profile. Methods: Medical records of 405 children with ASD aged 5–11 years (mean age: 7.2 years; SD: 1.8 years) consecutively referred to a tertiary-care university hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were reviewed; among them, 362 had carried out serological testing for CD. Results: Nine patients with positive CD serology were identified, eight of which satisfied the criteria for CD diagnosis. The estimated CD prevalence in ASD children was 2.18% (95% CI, 0.8–3.7), which was not statistically different (1.58%; p = 0.36) from that of an Italian population, matched for age range, considered as a control group (95% CI, 1.26–1.90). Three out of the eight ASD patients with CD did not have any symptoms suggestive of CD. Conclusions: Our findings did not show a higher prevalence of CD in ASD children than in the control population, but could suggest the utility of routine CD screening, given its frequent atypical clinical presentation in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Prosperi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (E.S.); (E.B.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (E.S.); (E.B.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Elena Brunori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (E.S.); (E.B.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Angela Cosenza
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (E.S.); (E.B.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (E.S.); (E.B.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (E.S.); (E.B.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (E.S.); (E.B.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050886323; Fax: +39-050886200
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28
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Parental Feeding Practices and Child-Related Factors are Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:3655-3667. [PMID: 34453670 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05247-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Atypical eating behaviors displayed by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) predispose them to unhealthy weight gain. We determined the factors associated with body weight status among 261 children with ASD (3-18 years) at nine autism intervention centers. Their mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic background, parenting style, parental feeding practices, parenting stress, sleep habits, eating behaviors, and autism severity. Children with older age, non-full term gestational age, high maternal perceived weight, high maternal concern about child weight, and low pressure to eat were more likely to be overweight and obese. Obesity is a major concern among children with ASD. Healthy weight management programs for parents should incorporate appropriate feeding practices and a healthy perception of body weight.
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29
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Kurokawa S, Nomura K, Miyaho K, Sanada K, Iwamoto C, Naraoka M, Yoneda S, Tomizawa Y, Sawae Y, Iwanaga R, Mimura M, Kishimoto T. Gastrointestinal symptoms and sensory abnormalities associated with behavioral problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism Res 2021; 14:1996-2001. [PMID: 34076345 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2549] [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: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral problems directly affect the quality of life of caregivers and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and is known to be associated with clinical factors such as gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, sensory abnormalities, intellectual abilities, and use of medication. However, previous studies have not considered these relationships comprehensively. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 6-12-year-old children with diagnoses of ASD and/or ADHD at two hospitals in Japan. Scores for the aberrant behavior checklist (ABC), autism-spectrum quotient (AQ), and Conners 3, as well as information on daily sleep and exercise, GI symptoms, and Short Sensory Profile, were collected. Each factor was subjected to a correlation analysis to investigate its effect on ABC scores. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for the factors with p < 0.05 was performed. Data were obtained from 60 patients with a mean age of 8.3 years; 21 had ASD alone, 18 had ADHD alone, and 21 had ASD + ADHD. The correlation analyses identified six factors associated with ABC severity: (a) methylphenidate use, (b) Conners hyperactivity score, (c) Conners inattention score, (d) AQ score, (e) SSP score, and (f) GI symptom score. The multiple regression showed that "GI symptoms" and "sensory abnormalities" were independently associated with ABC severity. Although further studies are needed to show a causal relationship, appropriate assessment of GI symptoms and sensory abnormalities may help alleviate some problematic behaviors and improve the quality of life of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. LAY SUMMARY: Behavioral problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders are known to be associated with many factors. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the known factors. We have discovered that "gastrointestinal symptoms" and "sensory abnormalities" were independently associated with Behavioral problems. Our results suggest that it is important for clinicians and caregivers to pay more attention to children's GI symptoms and sensory abnormalities that may not present as obvious symptoms or complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Kurokawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensuke Nomura
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Shimada Ryoiku Medical Center for Challenged Children, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuma Miyaho
- Department of Psychiatry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Sanada
- Department of Psychiatry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Iwamoto
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minori Naraoka
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yoneda
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Tomizawa
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukinori Sawae
- Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Iwanaga
- Laboratory of Human Motor Control, School of Health Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taishiro Kishimoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Settanni CR, Bibbò S, Ianiro G, Rinninella E, Cintoni M, Mele MC, Cammarota G, Gasbarrini A. Gastrointestinal involvement of autism spectrum disorder: focus on gut microbiota. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:599-622. [PMID: 33356668 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1869938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder typical of early age, characterized by impaired communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. ASD patients frequently suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Neuro-psychological functions, intestinal homeostasis, and functional GI disturbances are modulated by the gut microbiota through the so-called 'microbiota-gut-brain axis'. AREAS COVERED Literature regarding GI symptoms among the ASD community as well as the involvement and modulation of the gut microbiota in GI disturbances of ASD patients was searched. Constipation, diarrhea, reflux, abdominal bloating, pain, and discomfort are reported with variable prevalence. ASD is characterized by a reduction of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes, of the abundance of Bacteroidetes and other imbalances. ASD patients with GI symptoms present microbial changes with plausible relation with deficiency of digestive enzymes, carbohydrate malabsorption, selective eating, bacterial toxins, serotonin metabolism, and inflammation. The strategies to mitigate the GI distress through the gut microbiota modulation comprise antimicrobials, probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary intervention. EXPERT OPINION The modulation of the gut microbiota in ASD individuals with GI disturbances seems a promising target for the future medicine. A standardization of the research strategies for large-scale studies together with a focus on poorly explored fields is necessary to strengthen this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Romano Settanni
- Dipartimento di Scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Bibbò
- Dipartimento di Scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ianiro
- Dipartimento di Scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Rinninella
- UOC Di Nutrizione Clinica, Dipartimento Di Scienze Gastroenterologiche, Endocrino-Metaboliche E Nefro-Urologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Italy
| | - Marco Cintoni
- Scuola Di Specializzazione in Scienza dell'Alimentazione, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mele
- UOC Di Nutrizione Clinica, Dipartimento Di Scienze Gastroenterologiche, Endocrino-Metaboliche E Nefro-Urologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cammarota
- Dipartimento di Scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Di Patologia Speciale Medica, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Di Patologia Speciale Medica, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Italy
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Correlates of Feeding Difficulties Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:255-274. [PMID: 33666799 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Feeding difficulties related to selective intake, or eating a limited variety of foods, are very common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and CINAHL identified 29 studies that evaluated eight correlates: age, ASD symptoms and severity, cognitive and adaptive skills, sensory processing and perception, challenging behavior, weight status, gastrointestinal symptoms, and parenting stress. Feeding difficulties related to selective intake are consistently correlated with impaired sensory processing and perception and tend to be positively associated with rigidity and challenging behavior. These feeding difficulties tend to persist with advancing age. Other correlates demonstrated inconsistent findings. A significant limitation of research reviewed is variability in terminology, definitions, and measurement of feeding difficulties.
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Alkhalidy H, Abushaikha A, Alnaser K, Obeidat MD, Al-Shami I. Nutritional Status of Pre-school Children and Determinant Factors of Autism: A Case-Control Study. Front Nutr 2021; 8:627011. [PMID: 33681277 PMCID: PMC7933547 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.627011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder triggered by several factors, including those of genetic and environmental nature. ASD can alter communication, behavior, and children's nutritional status, placing them at high risk for nutritional imbalances. Therefore, this study aims to assess preschool autistic children's nutritional status as compared to that of Typically Developing (TD) children of the same age. The study also revealed some of the ASD risk factors among the Jordanian population. It included 52 ASD and 51 TD children (3-6 years), and considered sociodemographic, obstetric, and nutritional factors of the two groups, stratified by gender. Nutritional status was evaluated through a comprehensive questionnaire, 3-day food record, and anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Differences between groups were identified using the chi-square and independent-sample t-test. The logistic regression model was used after the adjustment of confounders to detect an autistic child's determinants. The study showed little difference between ASD and TD children with respect to nutrients' intake inadequacy and biochemical-nutritional deficiencies, but did reveal gender-based differences. Autistic girls were at higher risk of inadequate carbohydrate intake, while autistic boys were at higher risk of inadequate vitamin E, vitamin K, and fluoride compared to TD children. More autistic children had been treated in neonatal care units after birth than had TD children. The regression analysis revealed that lower maternal education level (OR, 12.25; 95% CI, 1.18-126.91), vaginal delivery (OR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.105-0.712), family history of autism (OR, 0.189; 95% CI, 0.059-0.612), and taking dietary supplements during pregnancy (OR, 4.665; 95% CI, 1.158-18.79) were all determinants of ASD in children. In conclusion, maternal nutrition, postnatal conditions, and nutritional status might be contributors to ASD in children. Pre-school children are at high risk for developing nutritional deficiencies. It is therefore important to maintain optimal nutritional status in pregnant patients, and in children after delivery and during early childhood. Future studies that investigate the role of nutrient deficiencies and nutritional interventions in ASD are necessary. Also required are studies that focus on gender differences in the prevalence of ASD, types and severity of symptoms, and ASD nutrition-related problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Alkhalidy
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Amal Abushaikha
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khadeejah Alnaser
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammad D. Obeidat
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Islam Al-Shami
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Health Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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33
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Koomar T, Thomas TR, Pottschmidt NR, Lutter M, Michaelson JJ. Estimating the Prevalence and Genetic Risk Mechanisms of ARFID in a Large Autism Cohort. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:668297. [PMID: 34177659 PMCID: PMC8221394 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.668297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is the first genetically-informed investigation of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), an eating disorder that profoundly impacts quality of life for those affected. ARFID is highly comorbid with autism, and we provide the first estimate of its prevalence in a large and phenotypically diverse autism cohort (a subsample of the SPARK study, N = 5,157 probands). This estimate, 21% (at a balanced accuracy 80%), is at the upper end of previous estimates from studies based on clinical samples, suggesting under-diagnosis and potentially lack of awareness among caretakers and clinicians. Although some studies suggest a decrease of disordered eating symptoms by age 6, our estimates indicate that up to 17% (at a balanced accuracy 87%) of parents of autistic children are also at heightened risk for ARFID, suggesting a lifelong risk for disordered eating. We were also able to provide the first estimates of narrow-sense heritability (h2) for ARFID risk, at 0.45. Genome-wide association revealed a single hit near ZSWIM6, a gene previously implicated in neurodevelopmental conditions. While, the current sample was not well-powered for GWAS, effect size and heritability estimates allowed us to project the sample sizes necessary to more robustly discover ARFID-linked loci via common variants. Further genetic analysis using polygenic risk scores (PRS) affirmed genetic links to autism as well as neuroticism and metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner Koomar
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Taylor R Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Natalie R Pottschmidt
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Michael Lutter
- Eating Recovery Center of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jacob J Michaelson
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Leader G, Molina Bonilla P, Naughton K, Maher L, Casburn M, Arndt S, Mannion A. Complex Comorbid Presentations are Associated with Harmful Behavior Problems among Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy. Dev Neurorehabil 2021; 24:25-34. [PMID: 32508226 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2020.1770353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Frequency and relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, behavior problems and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, and predictors of behavior problems were examined in children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Method: Parents of 104 children and adolescents with CP completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Inventory, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, Social Communication Questionnaire and the Behavior Problem Inventory-Short Form. Results: High frequency of behavior problems (88.5%), gastrointestinal symptoms (81.7%), sleep problems (81%) ASD symptoms (48%) and internalizing and externalizing symptoms (31.7%) were found. Relationships were found between gastrointestinal symptoms and sleep problems, and gastrointestinal symptoms and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Relationships were found between sleep problems and behavior problems. Intellectual disability, sleep problems, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and ASD symptoms predicted behavior problems. Conclusion: Findings highlights the frequency of comorbidities that exist in CP and how these comorbidities affect one another.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leanne Maher
- National University of Ireland , Galway, Ireland
| | - Mia Casburn
- National University of Ireland , Galway, Ireland
| | - Sophia Arndt
- National University of Ireland , Galway, Ireland
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35
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Vasa RA, Keefer A, McDonald RG, Hunsche MC, Kerns CM. A Scoping Review of Anxiety in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:2038-2057. [PMID: 32978905 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Research on anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has burgeoned in the past 15 years. Most of the research has focused on school-age children, ages 6 to 18 years. Yet, recent studies suggest that anxiety can emerge in young children, under 6 years, with ASD. This scoping review synthesized the literature on anxiety in young children with ASD. Three domains of anxiety research were reviewed: (a) prevalence/severity, phenomenology, and course; (b) correlates; and (c) treatment. Four online databases were searched from the start of the database until March 2020. Keywords pertaining to anxiety, autism, and young children were entered. The search identified 44 articles for inclusion. These studies varied with respect to sample source, informants, and measures to assess anxiety. The overall prevalence of anxiety ranged from 1.6 to 62%. Sixteen of 17 studies found that young children with ASD had higher levels of anxiety compared to various control groups. A variety of DSM anxiety symptoms and disorders were present in young children with the most common symptoms being specific, social, and generalized fears. Correlates of anxiety included sensory over-responsivity, sleep disturbance, aggression/defiance, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Three cognitive behavioral treatment studies for anxiety and one developmental intervention targeting ASD symptoms showed promise in reducing anxiety. Findings indicate an early emergence of anxiety in some children with ASD. Further research on the measurement, pathophysiology, and treatment of anxiety in early childhood is critical to improving outcomes in children with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: This scoping review synthesizes the literature on anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results indicate that children with ASD have higher levels of anxiety than children without ASD. Potential factors that could be contributing to anxiety include sensory, sleep, and behavioral problems. Preliminary studies show that anxiety can improve with cognitive behavioral treatment. These findings suggest that research on anxiety in young children with ASD should be prioritized to improve mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy Keefer
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel G McDonald
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle C Hunsche
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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36
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Margari L, Marzulli L, Gabellone A, de Giambattista C. Eating and Mealtime Behaviors in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Perspectives. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2083-2102. [PMID: 32982247 PMCID: PMC7504729 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s224779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social and communication skills and repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Children and adolescents with ASD are more likely to present feeding problems than their typically developing peers are. The present narrative review of literature aims to highlight the most recent evidence about epidemiology and presentations of eating and mealtime behavioral abnormalities in ASD from infancy to adolescence. Abnormalities in breastfeeding and acceptance of complementary foods have been described by most of the studies evaluating ASD early feeding history. Among the various eating and mealtime behaviors identified in ASD children and adolescents, the most common was food selectivity. The present review also provides brief overviews of the various aspects of food that may influence food acceptance by ASD patients and of the correlation between eating problems and ASD core symptoms, as well as with cognitive level, language skills, and family environment. However, studies evaluating eating problems in ASD children and adolescents are very heterogeneous and they show methodological differences. Moreover, the absence of unique definitions of eating and mealtime behaviors in ASD further limits the comparability of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Margari
- Child Neuropsychiatric Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Marzulli
- Child Neuropsychiatric Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Babinska K, Celusakova H, Belica I, Szapuova Z, Waczulikova I, Nemcsicsova D, Tomova A, Ostatnikova D. Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Feeding Problems and Their Associations with Dietary Interventions, Food Supplement Use, and Behavioral Characteristics in a Sample of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6372. [PMID: 32882981 PMCID: PMC7503400 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and restricted, stereotyped behavior. Gastrointestinal (GI), nutritional, and feeding problems are often reported in ASD. We investigated the prevalence of GI symptoms, food selectivity, and mealtime difficulties, and their associations with dietary interventions, food supplement use, and behavioral characteristics in a sample involving 247 participants with ASD and 267 controls aged 2-18 years. Data were collected by a questionnaire. GI symptoms were observed in 88.9% of children and adolescents with ASD, more often in girls than in boys. High rates of food selectivity (69.1%) and mealtime problems (64.3%) were found. Food supplements were used by 66.7% of individuals, mainly vitamins/minerals, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids. In the ASD sample, 21.2% of subjects followed a diet, mostly based on gluten and milk restriction, including individuals exhibiting food selectivity. Frequency of GI symptoms, food selectivity, and mealtime problems correlated weakly, but significantly with behavioral characteristics in the ASD group, but not with food supplement use. The study demonstrated that higher frequency of GI symptoms, food selectivity, and mealtime problems are a common problem in pre-schoolers, schoolchildren, and adolescents with ASD, and together with dietary modification, they are significantly associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Babinska
- Academic Research Centre for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (H.C.); (I.B.); (Z.S.); (D.N.); (A.T.); (D.O.)
| | - Hana Celusakova
- Academic Research Centre for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (H.C.); (I.B.); (Z.S.); (D.N.); (A.T.); (D.O.)
| | - Ivan Belica
- Academic Research Centre for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (H.C.); (I.B.); (Z.S.); (D.N.); (A.T.); (D.O.)
| | - Zofia Szapuova
- Academic Research Centre for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (H.C.); (I.B.); (Z.S.); (D.N.); (A.T.); (D.O.)
| | - Iveta Waczulikova
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, 842 48 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Dagmar Nemcsicsova
- Academic Research Centre for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (H.C.); (I.B.); (Z.S.); (D.N.); (A.T.); (D.O.)
- Gastroenterology Centre ASSIDUO, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Aleksandra Tomova
- Academic Research Centre for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (H.C.); (I.B.); (Z.S.); (D.N.); (A.T.); (D.O.)
| | - Daniela Ostatnikova
- Academic Research Centre for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia; (H.C.); (I.B.); (Z.S.); (D.N.); (A.T.); (D.O.)
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Proteomics and Metabolomics Approaches towards a Functional Insight onto AUTISM Spectrum Disorders: Phenotype Stratification and Biomarker Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176274. [PMID: 32872562 PMCID: PMC7504551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by behavioral alterations and currently affect about 1% of children. Significant genetic factors and mechanisms underline the causation of ASD. Indeed, many affected individuals are diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities, submicroscopic deletions or duplications, single-gene disorders or variants. However, a range of metabolic abnormalities has been highlighted in many patients, by identifying biofluid metabolome and proteome profiles potentially usable as ASD biomarkers. Indeed, next-generation sequencing and other omics platforms, including proteomics and metabolomics, have uncovered early age disease biomarkers which may lead to novel diagnostic tools and treatment targets that may vary from patient to patient depending on the specific genomic and other omics findings. The progressive identification of new proteins and metabolites acting as biomarker candidates, combined with patient genetic and clinical data and environmental factors, including microbiota, would bring us towards advanced clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) assisted by machine learning models for advanced ASD-personalized medicine. Herein, we will discuss novel computational solutions to evaluate new proteome and metabolome ASD biomarker candidates, in terms of their recurrence in the reviewed literature and laboratory medicine feasibility. Moreover, the way to exploit CDSS, performed by artificial intelligence, is presented as an effective tool to integrate omics data to electronic health/medical records (EHR/EMR), hopefully acting as added value in the near future for the clinical management of ASD.
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Restrepo B, Angkustsiri K, Taylor SL, Rogers SJ, Cabral J, Heath B, Hechtman A, Solomon M, Ashwood P, Amaral DG, Nordahl CW. Developmental-behavioral profiles in children with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring gastrointestinal symptoms. Autism Res 2020; 13:1778-1789. [PMID: 32767543 PMCID: PMC7689713 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequently reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We evaluated the frequency and severity of GI symptoms in preschool-aged children with ASD compared to participants with typical development (TD). Our goal was to ascertain whether GI symptoms are associated with differences in sex or developmental and behavioral measures. Participants were between 2 and 3.5 years of age and included 255 children with ASD (184 males/71 females) and 129 age-matched TD controls (75 males/54 females). A parent interview was used to assess GI symptoms (abdominal pain, gaseousness/bloating, diarrhea, constipation, pain on stooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood in stool or in vomit). Children with GI symptoms in each diagnostic group were compared to children without GI symptoms on measures of developmental, behavioral, and adaptive functioning. GI symptoms were reported more frequently in children with ASD compared to the TD group (47.8% vs. 17.8%, respectively). Children with ASD were also more likely to experience multiple GI symptoms (30.6% vs. 5.4%). GI symptoms were equally common in males and females across both diagnostic groups. There were no statistically significant differences in developmental or adaptive measures based on presence of GI symptoms in either ASD or TD children. Co-occurring GI symptoms were, however, associated with increased self-injurious behaviors, restricted stereotyped behaviors, aggressive behaviors, sleep problems and attention problems in both ASD and TD children. In children with ASD, a higher number of GI symptoms was associated with an increase in self-injurious behaviors, somatic complaints, reduced sleep duration, and increased parasomnias. LAY SUMMARY: ASD is characterized by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors. But, people with autism have many other difficulties including gastrointestinal problems. Children with ASD were three times more likely to experience GI symptoms than typically developing peers. Increased GI symptoms are associated with increased problem behaviors such as sleep problems, self-injury, and body aches. Since GI symptoms are often treatable, it is important to recognize them as soon as possible. Both clinicians and parents should become more aware of the high occurrence of GI problems in autistic people. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1778-1789. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Restrepo
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Angkustsiri
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA.,MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Sandra L Taylor
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Sally J Rogers
- MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jacqueline Cabral
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brianna Heath
- MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Alexa Hechtman
- MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Marjorie Solomon
- MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medial Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - David G Amaral
- MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Christine Wu Nordahl
- MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
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Li C, Liu Y, Fang H, Chen Y, Weng J, Zhai M, Xiao T, Ke X. Study on Aberrant Eating Behaviors, Food Intolerance, and Stereotyped Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:493695. [PMID: 33240114 PMCID: PMC7678488 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.493695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the aberrant eating behaviors (EBs), gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and food intolerance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their association with clinical core symptoms of ASD. Method: A total of 94 preschool children with ASD treated at the Child Mental Health Research Center of Nanjing Brain Hospital between October 2016 and April 2018 were enrolled. In addition, 90 children with typical development (TD) in the community during the same period were recruited. The conditions of aberrant EBs and GI symptoms in children were investigated using questionnaire surveys. Serum specific IgG antibodies against 14 kinds of food were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results: The detection rate of aberrant EBs in the ASD group was significantly higher than that in the TD group (67.39 vs. 34.94%), and the rate of GI symptoms was also higher in the ASD group than that in the TD group (80.22 vs. 42.11%). Detection of food intolerance in children with ASD showed that the positive rate was 89.89% and that the majority of children had multiple food intolerances. The correlation analysis results showed that the severity of aberrant EBs positively correlated with stereotyped behavior of children with ASD (r = 0.21, P = 0.04) and that food-specific IgG antibodies concentrations positively correlated with high-level stereotyped behavior in children with ASD (r = 0.23, P = 0.03). Conclusion: ASD with aberrant EBs or high food-specific IgG antibodies concentrations had more severe stereotyped behavior, which may have implications for exploring the immune mechanism of ASD. Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-RPC-16008139.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Li
- Children's Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Children's Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Children's Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Weng
- Children's Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengyao Zhai
- Children's Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Xiao
- Children's Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ke
- Children's Mental Health Research Center, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Santocchi E, Guiducci L, Prosperi M, Calderoni S, Gaggini M, Apicella F, Tancredi R, Billeci L, Mastromarino P, Grossi E, Gastaldelli A, Morales MA, Muratori F. Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Gastrointestinal, Sensory and Core Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:550593. [PMID: 33101079 PMCID: PMC7546872 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.550593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been recently recognized as a key modulator of neuropsychiatric health. In this framework, probiotics (recently named "psychobiotics") may modulate brain activity and function, possibly improving the behavioral profiles of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We evaluated the effects of probiotics on autism in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 85 preschoolers with ASD (mean age, 4.2 years; 84% boys). Participants were randomly assigned to probiotics (De Simone Formulation) (n=42) or placebo (n=43) for six months. Sixty-three (74%) children completed the trial. No differences between groups were detected on the primary outcome measure, the Total Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Calibrated Severity Score (ADOS-CSS). An exploratory secondary analysis on subgroups of children with or without Gastrointestinal Symptoms (GI group, n= 30; NGI group, n=55) revealed in the NGI group treated with probiotics a significant decline in ADOS scores as compared to that in the placebo group, with a mean reduction of 0.81 in Total ADOS CSS and of 1.14 in Social-Affect ADOS CSS over six months. In the GI group treated with probiotics we found greater improvements in some GI symptoms, adaptive functioning, and sensory profiles than in the GI group treated with placebo. These results suggest potentially positive effects of probiotics on core autism symptoms in a subset of ASD children independent of the specific intermediation of the probiotic effect on GI symptoms. Further studies are warranted to replicate and extend these promising findings on a wider population with subsets of ASD patients which share targets of intervention on the microbiota-gut-brain axis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02708901.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Santocchi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sara Calderoni,
| | - Melania Gaggini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Apicella
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Billeci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Department of Autism Research, Villa Santa Maria Institute, Tavernerio, Italy
| | - Amalia Gastaldelli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Sun H, You Z, Jia L, Wang F. Autism spectrum disorder is associated with gut microbiota disorder in children. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:516. [PMID: 31881951 PMCID: PMC6933684 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1896-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and clinical characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated to the stable state of the gut microbiota. Methods A total of 9 children with ASD and 6 healthy children used as control were selected and feces samples were collected from all of them. The 16S gene ribosomal RNA sequencing was used to analyze the difference in gut microbiota between healthy control children and ASD patients. Results The results of 16S sequencing based on operational taxonomic units (OTUs) analysis showed that the ASD group and the healthy control (HC) group had a large difference in the abundance of microbiota at the level of family, genus and species. The abundance of Bacteroidales and Selenomonadales was significantly lower in the ASD group than in the HC group (p = 0.0110 and p = 0.0076, respectively). The abundance of Ruminococcaceae in the ASD group was higher than that in the HC group (p = 0.0285), while the amount of Prevotellaceae was significantly lower in the ASD group than in the HC group (p = 0.0111). The Tax4Fun analysis based on Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) data indicated differentially expressed functional pathway between the ASD group and healthy control group associated to the nervous system, environmental information processing and cellular processing. Conclusions The abundance of gut microbiota in the ASD group is different from that in the healthy control children. These differences affect the biological function of the host. These results suggest that a disorder in the gut microbiota may be associated, at least in part, with ASD in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairong Sun
- Departemnt of Pediatrics, the Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, 1215 Guangrui Road, Wuxi, 214145, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Departemnt of Pediatrics, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zhong You
- Departemnt of Pediatrics, the Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, 1215 Guangrui Road, Wuxi, 214145, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Libo Jia
- Departemnt of Pediatrics, Huishan District Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China.
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Prosperi M, Guiducci L, Peroni DG, Narducci C, Gaggini M, Calderoni S, Tancredi R, Morales MA, Gastaldelli A, Muratori F, Santocchi E. Inflammatory Biomarkers are Correlated with Some Forms of Regressive Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9120366. [PMID: 31835709 PMCID: PMC6955787 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9120366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Several studies have tried to investigate the role of inflammatory biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their correlations with clinical phenotypes. Despite the growing research in this topic, existing data are mostly contradictory. Methods: Eighty-five ASD preschoolers were assessed for developmental level, adaptive functioning, gastrointestinal (GI), socio-communicative and psychopathological symptoms. Plasma levels of leptin, resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2), tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were correlated with clinical scores and were compared among different ASD subgroups according to the presence or absence of: (i) GI symptoms, (ii) regressive onset of autism. Results: Proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and CCL2) were lower than those reported in previous studies in children with systemic inflammatory conditions. GI symptoms were not correlated with levels of inflammatory biomarkers except for resistin that was lower in ASD-GI children (p = 0.032). Resistin and PAI-1 levels were significantly higher in the group with “regression plus a developmental delay” onset (Reg+DD group) compared to groups without regression or with regression without a developmental delay (p < 0.01 for all). Conclusions: Our results did not highlight the presence of any systemic inflammatory state in ASD subjects neither disentangling children with/without GI symptoms. The Reg + DD group significantly differed from others in some plasmatic values, but these differences failed to discriminate the subgroups as possible distinct ASD endo-phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Prosperi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (S.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Diego G. Peroni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Chiara Narducci
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari & “Antonio Cao” Paediatric Hospital, “G. Brotzu” Hospital trust, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Melania Gaggini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (S.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (S.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Maria Aurora Morales
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Amalia Gastaldelli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.G.); (M.A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0503-152-679
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (S.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (S.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
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Prosperi M, Santocchi E, Muratori F, Narducci C, Calderoni S, Tancredi R, Morales MA, Guiducci L. Vocal and motor behaviors as a possible expression of gastrointestinal problems in preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:466. [PMID: 31779607 PMCID: PMC6883656 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1841-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are one of the most frequent comorbidities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but can be under-recognized due to the concomitant communication difficulties of this population. Accordingly, some associated behaviors (AB) such as verbal and motor behaviors (VB and MB, respectively) have been identified as a possible expression of an underlying GI problem and evaluated through an ad hoc questionnaire (the Associated Behaviors Questionnaire -ABQ-). The aims of this study were to investigate the presence and the type of AB in an Italian sample of ASD preschoolers, and to determine their correlations with GI problems. Methods We included 85 ASD preschoolers (mean age 4.14 years; SD 1.08) splitted into two groups (GI and No-GI) through the GI Severity Index instrument. AB were evaluated through the ABQ that includes VB, MB and Changes in overall state (C) clusters. Specific tools were administered to evaluate the ASD core ad associated symptoms, as well as the intellective and adaptive functioning. Results The GI group (N = 30) showed significantly higher scores in all the three ABQ areas (VB, MB and C) than the No-GI group (N = 55), with a positive correlation between GI symptoms and some specific AB as well as ABQ Total score. By dividing the whole sample in verbal and non-verbal individuals, both specific and shared AB emerged in the two groups. Conclusions Our results alert clinicians to consider behavioral manifestations as a possible expression of GI problems in ASD subjects. Therefore, the evaluation of AB may be useful to identify the presence of GI problems in the ASD populations, and especially in non-verbal ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Prosperi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Narducci
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari and "Antonio Cao" Paediatric Hospital, "G. Brotzu" Hospital trust, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
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Ristori MV, Quagliariello A, Reddel S, Ianiro G, Vicari S, Gasbarrini A, Putignani L. Autism, Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Nutritional Interventions. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11112812. [PMID: 31752095 PMCID: PMC6893818 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex behavioral syndrome that is characterized by speech and language disorders, intellectual impairment, learning and motor dysfunctions. Several genetic and environmental factors are suspected to affect the ASD phenotype including air pollution, exposure to pesticides, maternal infections, inflammatory conditions, dietary factors or consumption of antibiotics during pregnancy. Many children with ASD shows abnormalities in gastrointestinal (GI) physiology, including increased intestinal permeability, overall microbiota alterations, and gut infection. Moreover, they are "picky eaters" and the existence of specific sensory patterns in ASD patients could represent one of the main aspects in hampering feeding. GI disorders are associated with an altered composition of the gut microbiota. Gut microbiome is able to communicate with brain activities through microbiota-derived signaling molecules, immune mediators, gut hormones as well as vagal and spinal afferent neurons. Since the diet induces changes in the intestinal microbiota and in the production of molecules, such as the SCFA, we wanted to investigate the role that nutritional intervention can have on GI microbiota composition and thus on its influence on behavior, GI symptoms and microbiota composition and report which are the beneficial effect on ASD conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Ristori
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Children’s Hospital and Research Institute “Bambino Gesù”, IRCCS, Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (A.Q.); (S.R.)
| | - Andrea Quagliariello
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Children’s Hospital and Research Institute “Bambino Gesù”, IRCCS, Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (A.Q.); (S.R.)
| | - Sofia Reddel
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Children’s Hospital and Research Institute “Bambino Gesù”, IRCCS, Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (A.Q.); (S.R.)
| | - Gianluca Ianiro
- Dipartimento di Gastroenterologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Neuropsichiatria dell’infanzia e dell’adolescenza, Children’s Hospital and Research Institute “Bambino Gesù”, IRCCS, Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Istituto di Patologia Speciale Medica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- UOC Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Area Gastroenterologia ed Oncologia Medica, Dipartimento di Scienze Gastroenterologiche, Endocrino-Metaboliche e Nefro-Urologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (L.P.); Tel.: +39-0668-59-4127 (L.P.)
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Units of Parasitology and Human Microbiome, Children’s Hospital and Research Institute “Bambino Gesù”, IRCCS, Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (L.P.); Tel.: +39-0668-59-4127 (L.P.)
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46
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Wu LL, Mao SS, Lin X, Yang RW, Zhu ZW. Evaluation of Whole Blood Trace Element Levels in Chinese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 191:269-275. [PMID: 30600499 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1615-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which has increased markedly during the last decades. Essential trace elements play an important role in neurological function and their imbalances are common in children with ASD. The objective of the present study was to investigate whole blood levels of trace elements including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) in Chinese children with ASD. In total, 113 children diagnosed with ASD and 141 age-matched and gender-matched neurotypical children, divided into two gender and age groups of preschool age (2-5 years old) and school (6-10 years old) age, were examined. The quantitative analyses of whole blood trace element contents were performed by using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. In the present study, the children with ASD generally had lower whole blood levels of Zn than the neurotypical controls. No significant differences in the whole blood Cu, Zn/Cu ratio, Fe, or Mg was detected between the ASD group and the control group. It is notable that whole blood Fe level in boys with ASD was significantly higher than in girls with ASD, and was nearly significant when compared with the control level of boys. After stratification for age, a significant 6% decrease in whole blood Zn levels was detected in preschool-aged children with ASD as compared to the control values. However, this significant ASD-related change was not detected in school-aged children. The whole blood Zn level and Zn/Cu ratio were significantly increased in school-aged children than in preschool-aged children in both ASD and control group. In addition, school-aged children with ASD had a significantly higher level of whole blood Fe than preschool-aged children with ASD. The results of the present study suggest an association between whole blood levels of Zn in Chinese children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Wu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3333# Bin sheng Road, City of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shan-Shan Mao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3333# Bin sheng Road, City of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xu Lin
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3333# Bin sheng Road, City of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rong-Wang Yang
- Department of Psychology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3333# Bin sheng Road, City of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3333# Bin sheng Road, City of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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47
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Shindler AE, Hill-Yardin EL, Petrovski S, Bishop N, Franks AE. Towards Identifying Genetic Biomarkers for Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 50:76-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04231-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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48
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Xu M, Xu X, Li J, Li F. Association Between Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:473. [PMID: 31404299 PMCID: PMC6673757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by stereotyped behavior and deficits in communication and social interactions. Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is an ASD-associated comorbidity, implying a potential role of the gut microbiota in ASD GI pathophysiology. Several recent studies found that autistic individuals harbor an altered bacterial gut microbiota. In some cases, remodeling the gut microbiota by antibiotic administration and microbiota transfer therapy reportedly alleviated the symptoms of ASD. However, there is little consensus on specific bacterial species that are similarly altered across individual studies. The aim of this study is to summarize previously published data and analyze the alteration of the relative abundance of bacterial genera in the gut microbiota in controls and individuals with ASD using meta-analysis. We analyzed nine studies, including 254 patients with ASD, and found that children with ASD had lower percentages of Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Parabacteroides and a higher percentage of Faecalibacterium in the total detected microflora compared to controls. In contrast, children with ASD had lower abundance of Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides, and Bifidobacterium and higher abundance of Lactobacillus. This meta-analysis suggests an association between ASD and alteration of microbiota composition and warrants additional prospective cohort studies to evaluate the association of bacterial changes with ASD symptoms, which would provide further evidence for the precise microbiological treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Xu
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric & Child Primary Care Department, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefeng Xu
- Department of Pulmonology, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jijun Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine on Pediatrics, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric & Child Primary Care Department, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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49
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Iannone LF, Preda A, Blottière HM, Clarke G, Albani D, Belcastro V, Carotenuto M, Cattaneo A, Citraro R, Ferraris C, Ronchi F, Luongo G, Santocchi E, Guiducci L, Baldelli P, Iannetti P, Pedersen S, Petretto A, Provasi S, Selmer K, Spalice A, Tagliabue A, Verrotti A, Segata N, Zimmermann J, Minetti C, Mainardi P, Giordano C, Sisodiya S, Zara F, Russo E, Striano P. Microbiota-gut brain axis involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:1037-1050. [PMID: 31260640 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1638763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The microbiota-gut brain (MGB) axis is the bidirectional communication between the intestinal microbiota and the brain. An increasing body of preclinical and clinical evidence has revealed that the gut microbial ecosystem can affect neuropsychiatric health. However, there is still a need of further studies to elucidate the complex gene-environment interactions and the role of the MGB axis in neuropsychiatric diseases, with the aim of identifying biomarkers and new therapeutic targets, to allow early diagnosis and improving treatments. Areas covered: To review the role of MGB axis in neuropsychiatric disorders, prediction and prevention of disease through exploitation, integration, and combination of data from existing gut microbiome/microbiota projects and appropriate other International '-Omics' studies. The authors also evaluated the new technological advances to investigate and modulate, through nutritional and other interventions, the gut microbiota. Expert opinion: The clinical studies have documented an association between alterations in gut microbiota composition and/or function, whereas the preclinical studies support a role for the gut microbiota in impacting behaviors which are of relevance to psychiatry and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Targeting MGB axis could be an additional approach for treating CNS disorders and all conditions in which alterations of the gut microbiota are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Francesco Iannone
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Alberto Preda
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute , Genova , Italy
| | - Hervé M Blottière
- Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, JouyenJosas&MetaGenoPolis, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay , Jouyen Josas , France
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, School of Medicine, College of Medicine & Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork , Cork , Ireland
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri , Milan , Italy
| | | | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , Napoli , Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli , Brescia , Italy.,Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry , King's College , London
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Cinzia Ferraris
- Human Nutrition and Eating Disorder Research Center, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Francesca Ronchi
- Department forBiomedical Research, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Gaia Luongo
- Ordine dei Tecnologi Alimentari Campania e Lazio , Napoli , Italy
| | | | - Letizia Guiducci
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology , Pisa , Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Paola Iannetti
- Department of Pediatrics`, "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Sigrid Pedersen
- Department of Refractory Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry - Core Facilities, Istituto Giannina Gaslini , Genova , Italy
| | - Stefania Provasi
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli , Brescia , Italy
| | - Kaja Selmer
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Osla, Norway and Department of Refractory Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital , Osla , Norway
| | - Alberto Spalice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Anna Tagliabue
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry , King's College , London
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | - Nicola Segata
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento , Trento , Italy
| | - Jakob Zimmermann
- Human Nutrition and Eating Disorder Research Center, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute , Genova , Italy
| | | | - Carmen Giordano
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Sanjay Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology , Queen Square, London , UK
| | - Federico Zara
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini , Genova , Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute , Genova , Italy
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Risk Factors for Unhealthy Weight Gain and Obesity among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133285. [PMID: 31277383 PMCID: PMC6650879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by social and communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD are also at a higher risk for developing overweight or obesity than children with typical development (TD). Childhood obesity has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Importantly some key factors that play a mediating role in these higher rates of obesity include lifestyle factors and biological influences, as well as secondary comorbidities and medications. This review summarizes current knowledge about behavioral and lifestyle factors that could contribute to unhealthy weight gain in children with ASD, as well as the current state of knowledge of emerging risk factors such as the possible influence of sleep problems, the gut microbiome, endocrine influences and maternal metabolic disorders. We also discuss some of the clinical implications of these risk factors and areas for future research.
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