IUPHAR review: Targeted therapies of signaling pathways based on the gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorders: Mechanistic and therapeutic applications

Dec 29, 2024Pharmacological research

Targeting Gut Microbiome Signals as Treatments for Autism: Mechanisms and Potential Therapies

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Abstract

Gut microbiota influences behavior and neurodevelopment by regulating the gut-brain axis.

Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitter precursors, are associated with brain development and behavior.
Changes in these metabolites may link to symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Dysbiosis in the gut microbiome could impact neuroinflammatory processes related to autism and affect immune signaling pathways.
Probiotics and prebiotics have been indicated to improve gut microbiota and alleviate symptoms in ASD patients.
Fecal microbiota transplantation may improve behavioral symptoms and restore gut microbiota balance.
Customized microbiome-based therapeutics and multi-omics methods are being explored to understand mechanisms underlying ASD.

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Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication and repetitive activities. Gut microbiota significantly influences behavior and neurodevelopment by regulating the gut-brain axis. This review explores gut microbiota-influenced treatments for ASD, focusing on their therapeutic applications and mechanistic insights. In addition, this review discusses the interactions between gut microbiota and the immune, metabolic and neuroendocrine systems, focusing on crucial microbial metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and several neurotransmitters. Furthermore, the review explores various therapy methods including fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary modifications, probiotics and prebiotics and evaluates their safety and efficacy in reducing ASD symptoms. The discussion shows the potential of customized microbiome-based therapeutics and the integration of multi-omics methods to understand the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, the review explores the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and ASD, aiming to develop innovative therapies that utilize the gut microbiome to improve the clinical outcomes of ASD patients. Microbial metabolites such as neurotransmitter precursors, tryptophan metabolites and SCFAs affect brain development and behavior. Symptoms of ASD are linked to changes in these metabolites. Dysbiosis in the gut microbiome may impact neuroinflammatory processes linked to autism, negatively affecting immune signaling pathways. Research indicates that probiotics and prebiotics can improve gut microbiota and alleviate symptoms in ASD patients. Fecal microbiota transplantation may also improve behavioral symptoms and restore gut microbiota balance. The review emphasizes the need for further research on gut microbiota modification as a potential therapeutic approach for ASD, highlighting its potential in clinical settings.

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IUPHAR review: Targeted therapies of signaling pathways based on the gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorders: Mechanistic and therapeutic applications

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