Potential Effect of Probiotics on the Modulating of Gut Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Abstract

Microbiota is the summation of all microorganisms living in the body. The alteration in microbiota can lead to chronic diseases, however; colonization with different commensal bacteria can correct these deficits. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inadequate communication skills and social withdrawal and its etiology is uncertain. Typical gastrointestinal (GI) disorders symptoms are associated with ASD, in a prevalence range from 23% to 70%. The method of communication between the brain and the gut microbiota is likely the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Therefore, intervention studies have been published based on the use of prebiotics, probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). In this review, the possible correlation between gut microbiota and ASD is demonstrated. Additionally, how probiotics and microbial fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could modulate the gut microbiota and might represent a potential therapy for patients with ASD. Nearly all the GI functions postulated to be affected in ASD are improved by probiotics in animal studies. (FMT) ensures the transfer of several hundred bacterial strains, as opposed to probiotic therapy where only certain bacterial strains are supplemented. For ASD patients with dysbiosis, FMT is an interesting new therapeutic choice that could be considered.