Intestinal microbiome, metabolome differs in children with autism spectrum disorder

The intestinal microbiome and metabolome of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) differ from those of children without ASD, according to research findings presented at the 2019 annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, held in Montreal, Canada. Chronic gastrointestinal problems are a significant comorbidity of ASD and behavioral problems such as self-injury and aggression have been badociated with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Stool samples were collected from children with ASD (n = 145), unaffected siblings (n = 48), and unrelated developing children (n = 219). Researchers obtained many clinical histories, as well as data from several behavioral surveys and a two-week diary detailing diet, bowel habits, and gastrointestinal pain.

Statistically significant differences (P <0.05) were observed in the relative abundance of several organisms previously badociated with pediatric ASD, specific behavior patterns and overall severity. Unique microbial profiles have also been badociated with behavioral and dietary variables. Investigators reported that the greatest changes in the gut microbiome were badociated with gastrointestinal pain, with distinct differences noted in the ASD group reporting pain.

"Within ASDs, subgroups can be identified based on complex phenotypes composed of behavioral characteristics, gastrointestinal symptoms, and microbiome / metabolome profiles. These multi-omic profiles will help identify less communicative autistic people in the development of meaningful selection criteria for future microbial-mediated therapeutic interventions, "the researchers concluded.

Reference

Luna RA, Savidge T, RP Goin-Kochel, et al. Intestinal sensations: to link gastrointestinal multi-omic profiles with complex phenotypes in pediatric autistic spectrum disorder. Presented at: 2019 Annual Meeting of the International Society for Research on Autism; May 1st to 4th, 2019; Montreal Canada.