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Hrnciarova J, Kubelkova K, Bostik V, Rychlik I, Karasova D, Babak V, Datkova M, Simackova K, Macela A. Modulation of Gut Microbiome and Autism Symptoms of ASD Children Supplemented with Biological Response Modifier: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1988. [PMID: 38999736 PMCID: PMC11243103 DOI: 10.3390/nu16131988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiology and mechanisms of autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not yet fully understood. There is currently no treatment for ASD for providing significant improvement in core symptoms. Recent studies suggest, however, that ASD is associated with gut dysbiosis, indicating that modulation of gut microbiota in children with ASD may thus reduce the manifestation of ASD symptoms. The aim of this pilot study (prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled) was to evaluate efficacy of the biological response modifier Juvenil in modulating the microbiome of children with ASD and, in particular, whether Juvenil is able to alleviate the symptoms of ASD. In total, 20 children with ASD and 12 neurotypical children were included in our study. Supplementation of ASD children lasted for three months. To confirm Juvenil's impact on the gut microbiome, stool samples were collected from all children and the microbiome's composition was analyzed. This pilot study demonstrated that the gut microbiome of ASD children differed significantly from that of healthy controls and was converted by Juvenil supplementation toward a more neurotypical microbiome that positively modulated children's autism symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jela Hrnciarova
- Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Kubelkova
- Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vanda Bostik
- Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Rychlik
- Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vladimir Babak
- Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Datkova
- Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Simackova
- Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Macela
- Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Jones Severino Vasconcelos QD, Silva Frederico MJ, Sousa Alves RD, Jesus Pinheiro Gomes Bandeira TD, Amaral de Moraes ME, Aragão GF. Effects of whey protein supplementation on gut microbiota of Wistar rats with valproic acid-induced autism symptoms. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:213-226. [PMID: 37934065 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the effects of whey protein (WP) supplementation (1.24 mg/g, 24 days) in rats with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) induced by valproic acid (400 mg/kg, single dose). Materials & methods: Wistar rats (14 days old) were divided into four groups: control, ASD, ASD plus WP and WP. Results: WP increased bacterial diversity and the number of colonies. Bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum were predominantly found in the supplemented groups (p < 0.05). WP also improved the animals' memory in the Y-maze test and decreased the time that male animals spent in the 'solitary chamber' (p < 0.05). Conclusion: WP supplementation positively influenced gut microbiota, along with memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renata de Sousa Alves
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceara, 60430-160, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gislei Frota Aragão
- Health Science Center, State University of Ceara, 60430-275, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Lewandowska-Pietruszka Z, Figlerowicz M, Mazur-Melewska K. Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16660. [PMID: 38068995 PMCID: PMC10706819 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316660] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by several core symptoms: restricted interests, communication difficulties, and impaired social interactions. Many ASD children experience gastrointestinal functional disorders, impacting their well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that a gut microbiota imbalance may exacerbate core and gastrointestinal symptoms. Our review assesses the gut microbiota in children with ASD and interventions targeting microbiota modulation. The analysis of forty-four studies (meta-analyses, reviews, original research) reveals insights into the gut microbiota-ASD relationship. While specific microbiota alterations are mixed, some trends emerge. ASD children exhibit increased Firmicutes (36-81%) and Pseudomonadota (78%) and decreased Bacteroidetes (56%). The Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio tends to be lower (56%) compared to children without ASD, which correlates with behavioral and gastrointestinal abnormalities. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus strains, show promise in alleviating behavioral and gastrointestinal symptoms (66%). Microbiota transfer therapy (MTT) seems to have lasting benefits for the microbiota and symptoms in one longitudinal study. Prebiotics can potentially help with gastrointestinal and behavioral issues, needing further research for conclusive efficacy due to different interventions being used. This review highlights the gut microbiota-ASD interplay, offering potential therapeutic avenues for the gut-brain axis. However, study heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and methodological variations emphasize the need for comprehensive, standardized research. Future investigations may unveil complex mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to ASD, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katarzyna Mazur-Melewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (Z.L.-P.); (M.F.)
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de la Rubia Ortí JE, Moneti C, Serrano-Ballesteros P, Castellano G, Bayona-Babiloni R, Carriquí-Suárez AB, Motos-Muñoz M, Proaño B, Benlloch M. Liposomal Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate for the Treatment of Intestinal Dysbiosis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3265. [PMID: 37513683 PMCID: PMC10383799 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143265] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by varying degrees of difficulty in social interaction and communication. These deficits are often associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating alterations in both intestinal microbiota composition and metabolic activities. The intestinal microbiota influences the function and development of the nervous system. In individuals with ASD, there is an increase in bacterial genera such as Clostridium, as well as species involved in the synthesis of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) like Prevotella copri. Conversely, decreased amounts of Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium spp. are observed. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the polyphenols with the greatest beneficial activity on microbial growth, and its consumption is associated with reduced psychological distress. Therefore, the objective of this review is to analyze how EGCG and its metabolites can improve the microbial dysbiosis present in ASD and its impact on the pathology. The analysis reveals that EGCG inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile. Moreover, it increases the abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia spp. As a result, EGCG demonstrates efficacy in increasing the production of metabolites involved in maintaining epithelial integrity and improving brain function. This identifies EGCG as highly promising for complementary treatment in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Costanza Moneti
- Doctoral School, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Gloria Castellano
- Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno (CITSAM), Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel Bayona-Babiloni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Carriquí-Suárez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Motos-Muñoz
- Department of Personality Psychology, Treatment and Methodology, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Child Neurorehabilitation Unit, Manises Hospital, 46940 Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Proaño
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Benlloch
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
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Herrera-Mejía J, Campos-Vega R, Wall-Medrano A, Jiménez-Vega F. A Two-Step Single Plex PCR Method for Evaluating Key Colonic Microbiota Markers in Young Mexicans with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Protocol and Pilot Epidemiological Application. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2387. [PMID: 37510132 PMCID: PMC10377852 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142387] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Many neurological disorders have a distinctive colonic microbiome (CM) signature. Particularly, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit a very dissimilar CM when compared to neurotypical (NT) ones, mostly at the species level. Thus far, knowledge on this matter comes from high-throughput (yet very expensive and time-consuming) analytical platforms, such as massive high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. Here, pure (260/280 nm, ~1.85) stool DNA samples (200 ng.µL-1) from 48 participants [39 ASD, 9 NT; 3-13 y] were used to amplify four candidate differential CM markers [Bacteroides fragilis (BF), Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (FP), Desulfovibrio vulgaris (DV), Akkermansia muciniphila (AM)], using micro-organism-specific oligonucleotide primers [265 bp (BF), 198 bp (FP), 196 bp (DV), 327 bp (AM)] and a standardized two-step [low (step 1: °Tm-5 °C) to high (stage 2: °Tm-0 °C) astringent annealing] PCR protocol (2S-PCR). The method was sensitive enough to differentiate all CM biomarkers in the studied stool donors [↑ abundance: NT (BF, FP, AM), ASD (DV)], and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the primers' specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Herrera-Mejía
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente del PRONAF y Estocolmo s/n, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Rocío Campos-Vega
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Abraham Wall-Medrano
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente del PRONAF y Estocolmo s/n, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Florinda Jiménez-Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente del PRONAF y Estocolmo s/n, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico
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Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil A, Anjan Sawale R, Claude Vanwalleghem G. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a translational model for neuro-immune interactions in the enteric nervous system in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023:S0889-1591(23)00142-3. [PMID: 37301234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% of the population and are strongly associated with gastrointestinal diseases creating shortcomings in quality of life. Multiple factors contribute to the development of ASD and although neurodevelopmental deficits are central, the pathogenesis of the condition is complex and the high prevalence of intestinal disorders is poorly understood. In agreement with the prominent research establishing clear bidirectional interactions between the gut and the brain, several studies have made it evident that such a relation also exists in ASD. Thus, dysregulation of the gut microbiota and gut barrier integrity may play an important role in ASD. However, only limited research has investigated how the enteric nervous system (ENS) and intestinal mucosal immune factors may impact on the development of ASD-related intestinal disorders. This review focuses on the mechanistic studies that elucidate the regulation and interactions between enteric immune cells, residing gut microbiota and the ENS in models of ASD. Especially the multifaceted properties and applicability of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for the study of ASD pathogenesis are assessed in comparison to studies conducted in rodent models and humans. Advances in molecular techniques and in vivo imaging, combined with genetic manipulation and generation of germ-free animals in a controlled environment, appear to make zebrafish an underestimated model of choice for the study of ASD. Finally, we establish the research gaps that remain to be explored to further our understanding of the complexity of ASD pathogenesis and associated mechanisms that may lead to intestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Rajlakshmi Anjan Sawale
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gilles Claude Vanwalleghem
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Ling Z, Jin G, Yan X, Cheng Y, Shao L, Song Q, Liu X, Zhao L. Fecal Dysbiosis and Immune Dysfunction in Chinese Elderly Patients With Schizophrenia: An Observational Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:886872. [PMID: 35719348 PMCID: PMC9198589 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.886872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with largely unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Mounting preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is a vital player in SZ. However, the gut microbiota characteristics and its host response in elderly SZ patients are still not well understood. A total of 161 samples was collected, including 90 samples from elderly SZ patients and 71 samples from healthy controls. We explored the gut microbiota profiles targeting the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene by MiSeq sequencing, and to analyze their associations with host immune response. Our data found that bacterial β-diversity analyses could divide the SZ patients and healthy controls into two different clusters. The Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) identified the compositional changes in SZ-associated bacteria, including Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Actinomyces, Butyricicoccus, Prevotella and so on. In addition, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β were greatly increased in SZ patients while the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ were markedly decreased. Correlation analysis suggested that these bacteria contributed to immune disturbances in the host that could be used as non-invasive biomarkers to distinguish the SZ patients from healthy controls. Moreover, several predicted functional modules, including increased lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, folate biosynthesis, lipoic acid metabolism, and decreased bile acid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis in SZ-associated microbiota, could be utilized by the bacteria to produce immunomodulatory metabolites. This study, for the first time, demonstrated the structural and functional dysbiosis of the fecal microbiota in Chinese elderly SZ patients, suggesting the potential for using gut key functional bacteria for the early, non-invasive diagnosis of SZ, personalized treatment, and the development of tailor-made probiotics designed for Chinese elderly SZ patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongxin Ling
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Zongxin Ling, ; Xia Liu, ; Longyou Zhao,
| | - Guolin Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, Lishui Second People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Xiumei Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lishui Second People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Yiwen Cheng
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Li Shao
- Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinghai Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Lishui Second People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zongxin Ling, ; Xia Liu, ; Longyou Zhao,
| | - Longyou Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lishui Second People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
- *Correspondence: Zongxin Ling, ; Xia Liu, ; Longyou Zhao,
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