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This study aimed to investigate the gut microbiota composition in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical (NT) children, with a focus on identifying potential differences in gut bacteria between these groups. The microbiota was analyzed through the massive sequencing of region V3-V4 of the 16S RNA gene, utilizing DNA extracted from stool samples of participants. Our findings revealed no significant differences in the dominant bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobiota) between the ASD and NT groups. However, at the genus level, notable disparities were observed in the abundance of Blautia, Prevotella, Clostridium XI, and Clostridium XVIII, all of which have been previously associated with ASD. Furthermore, a sex-based analysis unveiled additional discrepancies in gut microbiota composition. Specifically, three genera (Megamonas, Oscilibacter, Acidaminococcus) exhibited variations between male and female groups in both ASD and NT cohorts. Particularly noteworthy was the exclusive presence of Megamonas in females with ASD. Analysis of predicted metabolic pathways suggested an enrichment of pathways related to amine and polyamine degradation, as well as amino acid degradation in the ASD group. Conversely, pathways implicated in carbohydrate biosynthesis, degradation, and fermentation were found to be underrepresented. Despite the limitations of our study, including a relatively small sample size (30 ASD and 31 NT children) and the utilization of predicted metabolic pathways derived from 16S RNA gene analysis rather than metagenome sequencing, our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting a potential association between gut microbiota composition and ASD. Future research endeavors should focus on validating these findings with larger sample sizes and exploring the functional significance of these microbial differences in ASD. Additionally, there is a critical need for further investigations to elucidate sex differences in gut microbiota composition and their potential implications for ASD pathology and treatment.

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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.

Thousands of bacteria live in the human intestine. These bacteria help with many functions in the body and are so important that they can communicate with the brain. When the types and abundance of these bacteria change, brain activity can also change. This may be the case in some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who may have an increase in harmful types of bacteria and a decrease in beneficial types of bacteria in the gut. Whey protein is a commonly used protein supplement for muscle growth. However, many studies have shown its benefits for gut bacteria. The authors investigated the effects of whey protein in animals with symptoms of ASD and showed that supplementation with whey protein increased the number of beneficial bacteria. In addition, the rats given whey protein had better memory. ASD-induced rats were less sociable, spending more time by themselves. However, male animals treated with whey protein spent less time alone. Supplementation with whey protein was beneficial for gut bacteria and memory in rats.

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OBJECTIVES: Inappropriate vitamin supply is a public health problem and is related to abnormalities in brain development, immune response and, more recently, in changes of gut microbial composition. It is known that low levels of vitamin in early life are linked to increased susceptibility to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Unfortunately, the possible peripheral influences of vitamin deficiency that leads to alterations in the gut microbiota-immune-brain axis, one important modulator of the ASD pathology, remain unclear. This narrative review discusses how the impact of vitamin deficiency results in changes in the immune regulation and in the gut microbiota composition, trying to understand how these changes may contribute for the development and severity of ASD. METHODS: The papers were selected using Pubmed and other databases. This review discusses the following topics: (1) vitamin deficiency in alterations of central nervous system in autism, (2) the impact of low levels of vitamins in immunomodulation and how it can favor imbalance in gut microbiota composition and gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, (3) gut microbiota imbalance/inflammation associated with the ASD pathophysiology, and (4) possible evidences of the role of vitamin deficiency in dysfunctional gut microbiota-immune-brain axis in ASD. RESULTS: Studies indicate that hypovitaminosis A, B12, D, and K have been co-related with the ASD neuropathology. Furthermore, it was shown that low levels of these vitamins favor the Th1/Th17 environment in the gut, as well as the growth of enteropathogens linked to GI disorders. DISCUSSION: GI disorders and alterations in the gut microbiota-immune-brain axis seems to be linked with ASD severity. Although unclear, hypovitaminosis appears to regulate peripherally the ASD pathophysiology by modulating the gut microbiota-immune-brain axis, however, more research is still necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

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Los problemas médicos gastrointestinales, nutricionales, metabólicos, endocrinológicos y de microbiota en los pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) son parte de los problemas médicos concomitantes al diagnóstico. La prevalencia alcanza a más del 91 % en el caso de los problemas gastrointestinales, hasta el 89 % para los nutricionales y metabólicos, más del 50 % de disfunción tiroidea y hasta el 100 % para los relacionados con la microbiota.Es urgente actualizar la práctica médica para incluir la evaluación, testeo, diagnóstico y tratamiento de estos problemas médicos concomitantes al diagnóstico de TEA en la población pediátrica, adolescente y adulta. El tratamiento riguroso de dichos problemas genera cambios positivos en la calidad de vida y en la sintomatología bajo la cual el TEA se diagnostica en muchos casos. Debe basarse en evidencia científica de alta calidad, con control y cuidado médico adecuado

Gastrointestinal, nutritional, metabolic, endocrine, and microbiota medical problems in pediatric patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are some of the coexisting medical conditions in ASD diagnosis. Their prevalence reaches more than 91 % for gastrointestinal problems, up to 89 % for nutritional and metabolic disorders, more than 50 % for thyroid dysfunction, and up to 100 % for microbiota-related conditions.There is an urgency for medical practice to be updated and to include the assessment, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of these coexisting medical conditions in ASD diagnosis in the pediatric, adolescent, and adult population. A strict management of such conditions results in positive changes in the quality of life and symptoms based on which ASD is diagnosed many times. It should be based on high-quality scientific evidence with an adequate medical care and control

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Gastrointestinal, nutritional, metabolic, endocrine, and microbiota medical problems in pediatric patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are some of the coexisting medical conditions in ASD diagnosis. Their prevalence reaches more than 91 % for gastrointestinal problems, up to 89 % for nutritional and metabolic disorders, more than 50 % for thyroid dysfunction, and up to 100 % for microbiota-related conditions. There is an urgency for medical practice to be updated and to include the assessment, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of these coexisting medical conditions in ASD diagnosis in the pediatric, adolescent, and adult population. A strict management of such conditions results in positive changes in the quality of life and symptoms based on which ASD is diagnosed many times. It should be based on high-quality scientific evidence with an adequate medical care and control.

Los problemas médicos gastrointestinales, nutricionales, metabólicos, endocrinológicos y de microbiota en los pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) son parte de los problemas médicos concomitantes al diagnóstico. La prevalencia alcanza a más del 91 % en el caso de los problemas gastrointestinales, hasta el 89 % para los nutricionales y metabólicos, más del 50 % de disfunción tiroidea y hasta el 100 % para los relacionados con la microbiota. Es urgente actualizar la práctica médica para incluir la evaluación, testeo, diagnóstico y tratamiento de estos problemas médicos concomitantes al diagnóstico de TEA en la población pediátrica, adolescente y adulta. El tratamiento riguroso de dichos problemas genera cambios positivos en la calidad de vida y en la sintomatología bajo la cual el TEA se diagnostica en muchos casos. Debe basarse en evidencia científica de alta calidad, con control y cuidado médico adecuado.

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Most studies on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk factors have been conducted in developed countries where ethnicity and environment are different than in developing countries. We compared nutritional status, immune response and microbiota composition in mestizo children with ASD with matched controls in Ecuador. Twenty-five cases and 35 controls were matched by age, sex and school location. The prevalence of under- and overweight was higher in children with ASD. Nutritional differences were accompanied by abnormal food habits and more frequent gastrointestinal symptoms in children with ASD. Also, greater serum concentrations of TGF-ß1 were observed in children with ASD. Finally, there was greater alpha diversity and abundance of Bacteroides (2 OTUs), Akkermansia, Coprococcus and different species of Ruminococcus in ASD children.

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with several oropharyngeal abnormalities, including buccal sensory sensitivity, taste and texture aversions, speech apraxia, and salivary transcriptome alterations. Furthermore, the oropharynx represents the sole entry point to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI disturbances and alterations in the GI microbiome are established features of ASD, and may impact behavior through the "microbial-gut-brain axis." Most studies of the ASD microbiome have used fecal samples. Here, we identified changes in the salivary microbiome of children aged 2-6 years across three developmental profiles: ASD (n = 180), nonautistic developmental delay (DD; n = 60), and typically developing (TD; n = 106) children. After RNA extraction and shotgun sequencing, actively transcribing taxa were quantified and tested for differences between groups and within ASD endophenotypes. A total of 12 taxa were altered between the developmental groups and 28 taxa were identified that distinguished ASD patients with and without GI disturbance, providing further evidence for the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD. Group classification accuracy was visualized with receiver operating characteristic curves and validated using a 50/50 hold-out procedure. Five microbial ratios distinguished ASD from TD participants (79.5% accuracy), three distinguished ASD from DD (76.5%), and three distinguished ASD children with/without GI disturbance (85.7%). Taxonomic pathways were assessed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes microbial database and compared with one-way analysis of variance, revealing significant differences within energy metabolism and lysine degradation. Together, these results indicate that GI microbiome disruption in ASD extends to the oropharynx, and suggests oral microbiome profiling as a potential tool to evaluate ASD status. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1286-1299. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Previous research suggests that the bacteria living in the human gut may influence autistic behavior. This study examined genetic activity of microbes living in the mouth of over 300 children. The microbes with differences in children with autism were involved in energy processing and showed potential for identifying autism status.

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