Microbiome management brings new hope for autism

According to the Center for Disease Research, one in 54 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) each year, and the number continues to grow. The disease usually occurs in early childhood and causes embarrassing, life-long developmental disabilities that affect social skills, communication, relationships, and self-control.

In a new study published in the journal mSphere, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, James Adams and his colleagues emphasize the crucial importance of bacterial microorganisms. Human good For the diagnosis and treatment of ASD.

Autism is considered a “spectrum disorder” and is characterized by a variety of stereotyped behaviors that can affect people to varying degrees. The complete picture of the root cause of ASD remains ambiguous while genetic correlations are involved. Despite the epidemic of the disease and its serious social consequences, there is currently no effective FDA-approved treatment for this disorder.

In a previous study, researchers observed the effect on ASD symptoms after the use of an innovative approach known as Microbial Metastasis Therapy (MTT). procedure, Gut flora It is transplanted from healthy donors into ASD patients over a period of 7-8 weeks, causing significant changes in the ASD gut and improving both gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms of the disease. Surprisingly, improvement in symptoms continued for two years after the study was completed.

A new study examines plasma and fecal metabolites altered by MTT. He is a professor at ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering and Constructed Environments, a researcher at the Biodesign Sweat Center for Environmental Biotechnology, and a director of the newly established Biodesign Center for Microbial Health. According to one Krajmalnik Brown, “It’s important to look at the biotransformers. Understand how microorganisms affect gastrointestinal symptoms and behavior. They can also be used as biomarkers.”

In fact, analysis of 619 plasma metabolites in a new study showed a metabolic profile characteristic of children with ASD prior to the MTT procedure. Careful examination of biotransformers in blood and feces, rather than simply aggregating microbial species in the gut, can form both collaborative and competitive networks, depending on environmental details. It is important to elicit certain complex bacterial interactions.

Following the procedure, the levels of major biotransformers in plasma became more similar to those of typically developing children, which is a normal healthy intestinal condition, including a marked increase in microorganisms. Diversity suggests that it is the result of adjusting the bacterial constellations to be closer.

New studies highlight important metabolic changes in plasma samples and milder changes in fecal samples. “It was exciting to identify and observe many of the differences in biotransformation levels between children with autism and children who are usually developing. Metabolites Levels have improved after the microbiome transplant, “said Adams, a professor of materials, transport and energy engineering at ASU and director of ASU’s Autism / Asperger Research Program.

Further studies are based on MTT therapy or other microorganisms to better understand the complex and important interactions between the gut flora and the neurological features associated with ASD and enhance its effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms of ASD. Helps to fine-tune your therapy.