Improvement of behavioural pattern and alpha-synuclein levels in autism spectrum disorder after consumption of a beta-glucan food supplement in a randomised, parallel-group pilot clinical study

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Autism - A Systematic Review

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a therapeutic option currently used by autistic people with continued interest and uptake. There remains limited evidence regarding the efficacy of CAM use in autism. The aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively review published clinical trials to explore the efficacy of CAM in autism. A systematic literature review of available research published from June 2013 to March 2023 was conducted. Our literature search identified 1826 eligible citations, and duplications removed (n = 694) with 102 articles eligible for title/abstract screening. After full text review, 39 studies were included. The results of this systematic review identified that for autistic people, vitamin and mineral supplements may only be of benefit if there is a deficiency. The results also found that the main interventions used were dietary interventions and nutraceuticals, including targeted supplements, vitamins and minerals, omega 3 s and prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes. The evidence does not support some of the most frequently utilised dietary interventions, such as a Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) diet, and the use of targeted nutraceutical supplements may be of benefit, but more conclusive research is still required to direct safe and effective treatment.

The Role of Alpha-Synuclein in Neurodevelopmental Diseases

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of diseases with cognitive, motor, and emotional development deficits. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a synaptic protein involved in transmission and neurodevelopment. This protein was previously shown to be associated with several disorders, including Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, a close link between neurodevelopmental disorders and Parkinson's has also been found. Changes in synaptic function have been noticed in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. Impaired neurogenesis and related cognitive problems have been associated with altered expression of α-syn. Various studies reported α-syn in different body fluids and tissues such as blood and serum. Alpha-synuclein can help in better understanding the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases and facilitating their early diagnosis. This review aims to go over the recent advances in the role of α-syn in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and motor and social impairment, and its value as a diagnostic biomarker.

Interaction of beta-glucans with gut microbiota: Dietary origins, structures, degradation, metabolism, and beneficial function

Beta-glucan (BG), a polysaccharide comprised of interfacing glucose monomers joined via beta-glycosidic linkages, can be defined as a type of dietary fiber with high specificity based on its interaction with the gut microbiota. It can induce similar interindividual microbiota responses, thereby having beneficial effects on the human body. In this paper, we review the four main sources of BG (cereals, fungi, algae, and bacteria) and their differences in structure and content. The interaction of BG with gut microbiota and the resulting health effects have been highlighted, including immune enhancement, regulation of serum cholesterol and insulin levels, alleviation of obesity and improvement of cognitive disorders. Finally, the application of BG in food products and its beneficial effects on the gut microbiota of consumers were discussed. Although some of the mechanisms of action remain unclear, revealing the beneficial functions of BG from the perspective of gut microbiota can help provide theoretical support for the development of diets that target the regulation of microbiota.

Influence of Auditory Integrative Training on Casein Kinase 2 and Its Impact on Behavioral and Social Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Considerable disturbances in post-translational protein phosphorylation have recently been discovered in multiple neurological disorders. Casein kinase-2 (CK2) is a tetrameric Ser/Thr protein kinase that phosphorylates a large number of substrates and contributes in several cellular physiological and pathological processes. CK2 is highly expressed in the mammalian brain and catalyzes the phosphorylation of a large number of substrates that are crucial in neuronal or glial homeostasis and inflammatory signaling processes across synapses. In this study, we investigated the impact of auditory integration therapy (AIT) for the treatment of sensory processing abnormalities in autism on plasma CK2 levels. A total of 25 ASD children, aged between 5 and 12 years, were enrolled and participated in the present research study. AIT was performed for two weeks, for a period of 30 min, twice a day, with a 3 h interval between sessions. Before and after AIT, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Short Sensory Profile (SSP) scores were calculated, and plasma CK2 levels were assayed using an ELISA test. The CARS and SRS indices of autism severity improved as a result of AIT, which could be related to the decreased level of plasma CK2. However, the mean value of the SSP scores was not significantly increased after AIT. The relationship between CK2 downregulation and glutamate excitotoxicity, neuro-inflammation, and leaky gut, as etiological mechanisms in ASD, was proposed and discussed. Further research, conducted on a larger scale and with a longer study duration, are required to assess whether the cognitive improvement in ASD children after AIT is related to the downregulation of CK2.

Benefits of Gut Microbiota Reconstitution by Beta 1,3-1,6 Glucans in Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

BACKGROUND

Aureobasidium pullulans (black yeast) AFO-202 strain-produced beta glucan, Nichi Glucan, has been shown to improve the behavior and sleep pattern along with an increase in α-synuclein and melatonin in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

OBJECTIVE

In this randomized pilot clinical study, we have evaluated the gut microbiota of subjects with ASD after consumption of Nichi Glucan.

METHODS

Eighteen subjects with ASD were randomly allocated: six subjects in the control group (Group 1): conventional treatment comprising remedial behavioral therapies and L-carnosine 500 mg per day, and 12 subjects (Group 2) underwent supplementation with Nichi Glucan 0.5 g twice daily along with the conventional treatment for 90 days.

RESULTS

Whole genome metagenome (WGM) sequencing of the stool samples at baseline and after intervention showed that among genera of relevance, the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae was decreased almost to zero in Group 2 after intervention, whereas it increased from 0.36% to 0.85% in Group 1. The abundance of Bacteroides increased in Group 1, whereas it decreased in Group 2. The abundance of Prevotella increased while the abundance of Lactobacillus decreased in both Group 1 and Group 2. Among species, a decrease was seen in Escherichia coli, Akkermansia muciniphila CAG:154, Blautia spp., Coprobacillus sp., and Clostridium bolteae CAG:59, with an increase of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Prevotella copri, which are both beneficial.

CONCLUSION

AFO-202 beta 1,3-1,6 glucan, in addition to balancing the gut microbiome in children with ASD and its role in effective control of curli-producing Enterobacteriaceae that leads to α-synuclein misfolding and accumulation, may have a prophylactic role in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases as well.

Clinical benefits of β-glucan supplementation in children: a review

Malnutrition is a global concern since it affects 130 million children under the age of 5 worldwide. The child’s immunity is brutally compromised, making them susceptible to various diseases and infections, leading to a high mortality rate. Multiple strategies have been implemented to strengthen immunity in children with compromised immunity, such as rendering a balanced diet, fortifying food, dietary supplements, and introducing potential natural dietary fibers to maintain good nutrition status, such as β-glucan. A class of biologically active polysaccharides, sourced from yeast, mushroom, bacteria, and cereals with versatile immunomodulatory benefits that potentially primes the host immune system, drives several metabolic health effects, increases infection resistance, shields against the damaging effects of stress, and maintains healthy energy levels. This review focuses on the capabilities, underlying mechanisms, immune-stimulating potency, and clinically meaningful shreds of evidence to substantiate the multiple health benefits of β-glucan in children. Although, more clinical studies are required, current findings confirms the various biological response modifying abilities of β-glucan that may notably aid in the development of a strong immune system in children for their overall health and wellbeing.

Two unique biological response-modifier glucans beneficially regulating gut microbiota and faecal metabolome in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis animal model, with potential applications in human health and disease

Objective

The gut microbiome and its metabolites are influenced by age and stress and reflect the metabolism and health of the immune system. We assessed the gut microbiota and faecal metabolome in a static animal model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Design

This model was subjected to the following treatments: reverse osmosis water, AFO-202, N-163, AFO-202+N-163 and telmisartan treatment. Faecal samples were collected at 6 and 9 weeks of age. The gut microbiome was analysed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequences acquired by next-generation sequencing, and the faecal metabolome was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Gut microbial diversity increased greatly in the AFO-202+N-163 group. Postintervention, the abundance of Firmicutes decreased, whereas that of Bacteroides increased and was the highest in the AFO-202+N-163 group. The decrease in the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and other Firmicutes and the abundance of Turicibacter and Bilophila were the highest in the AFO-202 and N-163 groups, respectively. Lactobacillus abundance was highest in the AFO-202+N-163 group. The faecal metabolite spermidine, which is beneficial against inflammation and NASH, was significantly decreased (p=0.012) in the N-163 group. Succinic acid, which is beneficial in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, was increased in the AFO-202 group (p=0.06). The decrease in fructose was the highest in the N-163 group (p=0.0007). Isoleucine and Leucine decreased with statistical significance (p=0.004 and 0.012, respectively), and tryptophan also decreased (p=0.99), whereas ornithine, which is beneficial against chronic immune-metabolic-inflammatory pathologies, increased in the AFO-202+N-163 group.

Conclusion

AFO-202 treatment in mice is beneficial against neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, and has prophylactic potential against metabolic conditions. N-163 treatment exerts anti-inflammatory effects against organ fibrosis and neuroinflammation. In combination, these compounds exhibit anticancer activity.