Microbiome Changes as Causes of Autism?
The earlier autism is detected, the more opportunities a person has for its correction. Autism spectrum disorder is closely associated with distinct patterns in the composition and functioning of intestinal microorganisms. Identifying these patterns can become an effective marker for early diagnosis.
The central role of the microbiome in regulating the gut-brain axis and influencing health has gained considerable popularity over the past decade. Previous studies have shown how the microbiome influences development of depressionhelps in brain development through signaling pathway system and even capable reduce cortisol.
Diving into the possible causes of autism
New research from the University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in China looked beyond gut bacteria and found that changes in the composition and function of both bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. The cause of ASD is unknown, but it is thought to be the result of a complex interaction between genetics and environmental factors. Given existing research showing that the gut directly communicates with the brain and may therefore contribute to the development of ASD, the researchers decided to investigate further.
The study involved 1,627 children considered neurotypical and with ASD aged one to 13 years (24.4% girls). Their stool samples were analyzed metagenomically. Metagenomics studies the structure and function of genetically diverse organisms found in a single sample: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea — single-celled organisms that do not have a nucleus.
A New Look at the Causes of Autism
When comparing changes in the gut microbiome between neurotypical children and children with ASD, the researchers found that children with ASD had significantly reduced diversity of archaea, bacteria, and viruses. Of the 90 identified microbiome inhabitants, 80 were significantly lower in children with ASD compared to neurotypical children. The greatest deficits were in bacteria. Fifty bacterial species were very low in the children with ASD, and only one species was abundant. The researchers also found that microbial function was affected, with microbial genes and metabolic pathways altered in children with ASD.
Using this metagenomic information, the researchers developed a microbial panel of 31 markers. Using a machine learning model, they tested the panel. They found that it accurately predicted ASD diagnosis across different ages, genders, populations, and geographic locations. And it did a much better job than using a single microbial species, such as bacteria.
Most studies have focused on the changes in bacterial composition alone in ASD. Recent studies have identified the critical role of non-bacterial microorganisms such as archaea, fungi, and viruses in the gut-brain axis. However, they are rarely studied in ASD. In this study, we performed a comprehensive multi-kingdom and functional microbiome analysis using over 1600 metagenomes in 5 independent child samples. We showed that archaeal, fungal, and viral species and functional pathways of the microbiome can also identify children with ASD from a sample of children considered neurotypical. We demonstrated that a model based on a panel of 31 multi-kingdom markers achieved high predictive values for ASD diagnosis.
Based on research materials.
Can we say that humanity will now be better able to identify the causes of autism?
The researchers say their study paves the way for future development of diagnostic tests for ASD. Further studies are needed to examine the interaction between known genetic markers of ASD and microbiome panels to see if diagnostic accuracy can be improved so that ASD can be diagnosed even earlier.
The study itself remains a diagnostic tool. Although, perhaps in the future there will be a protocol for working with the microbiome to correct behavior in ASD. And available mechanisms for monitoring performance, productivity and personal effectiveness are already available in the community. Subscribe to stay up to date with new articles.
