The impact of gut microbiota-derived metabolites in autism spectrum disorders

Lucía N. Peralta-Marzal*, Naika Prince, Djordje Bajic, Léa Roussin, Laurent Naudon, Sylvie Rabot, Johan Garssen, Aletta D. Kraneveld, Paula Perez-Pardo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by behavioural impairment and deficiencies in social interaction and communication. A recent study estimated that 1 in 89 children have developed some form of ASD in European countries. Moreover, there is no specific treatment and since ASD is not a single clinical entity, the identification of molecular biomarkers for diagnosis remains challenging. Besides behavioural deficiencies, individuals with ASD often develop comorbid medical conditions including intestinal problems, which may reflect aberrations in the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut. The impact of faecal microbial composition in brain development and behavioural functions has been repeatedly linked to ASD, as well as changes in the metabolic profile of individuals affected by ASD. Since metabolism is one of the major drivers of microbiome–host interactions, this review aims to report emerging literature showing shifts in gut microbiota metabolic function in ASD. Additionally, we discuss how these changes may be involved in and/or perpetuate ASD pathology. These valuable insights can help us to better comprehend ASD pathogenesis and may provide relevant biomarkers for improving diagnosis and identifying new therapeutic targets.

Original languageEnglish
Article number10052
Pages (from-to)1-25
Number of pages25
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume22
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Bacterial metabolites
  • Microbiota-Gut-Brain axis

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