Are Fecal Metabolome and Microbiota Profiles Correlated with Autism Severity? A Cross-Sectional Study on ASD Preschoolers.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) make up a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social and communication difficulties associated with repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Besides core features, metabolic imbalances, inflammation, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and altered gut microbiota composition were often described in association with ASD, but their connection with the severity of autism (SA) remains unexplored. In this study, fecal metabolome, microbiota, and calprotectin levels of 80 ASD preschoolers were quantified and correlated with SA. Twelve of the fifty-nine molecules that were quantified by fecal metabolome analysis were significantly associated with SA. No links between SA or GI symptoms and microorganisms' relative abundance were highlighted.

SUBMITTER: Laghi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8539853 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature