Matching Items (122)
Description
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms and severities, affecting communication, behavior, and social interactions. With the prevalence of ASD rising to affect nearly 1 in 36 children in the United States, understanding and addressing the multifaceted needs of those with ASD is increasingly critical. This review explores the interplay between genetic, environmental, and immune factors in the onset of ASD, focusing on metabolic dysfunctions and the role of the gut-brain axis. Emerging research highlights the significance of abnormal metabolites and gut microbiota imbalances in contributing to the pathophysiology of ASD, suggesting that these factors may influence neurological function and behavior through modulating immune responses.
Recent analyses have uncovered metabolic disturbances in ASD, affecting amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, glycolysis and the TCA cycle, homocysteine metabolism, ketone body synthesis, and lipid metabolism. These disturbances offer insights into how metabolic dysfunctions may contribute to the neurological and behavioral features of ASD. Furthermore, the gut microbiota's role in immune responses and the controversial impact of antibiotic use on gut flora composition is important to the complexity of ASD and the need for a nuanced understanding of treatment effects.
This review delves into the current understanding of metabolic dysfunctions in children with ASD, emphasizing the critical role of gut microbiota and the impact of antibiotic use. Specifically, this review discusses SCFAs, para-cresol, amino acid metabolites, and glutathione and their respective specific treatments. It also explores the potential of vitamin/mineral supplementation as a therapeutic strategy, highlighting significant improvements in metabolic markers and behavioral symptoms associated with ASD. The findings from key studies, including those by Adams et al., suggest that targeted nutritional interventions and careful management of gut health could offer promising avenues for improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD. The review also acknowledges the need for further research to confirm the long-term effects of these interventions and to develop personalized treatment approaches that consider the unique needs in individuals with ASD.
ContributorsNandakumar, Keshav (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Flynn, Christina (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Background: Currently, we do not know the direct cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A correlation between the gut microbiome and ASD may play a key role in normalizing ASD symptoms that plague many around the world. Furthermore, microbiota transfer therapy (MTT) may be the next step toward reducing GI symptoms in people impacted with ASD. The Medical Histories of ASD and NT (Neurotypical) adults may help find further information that could help find causes that contribute to the development of ASD.
Objective: To identify key questions in the Medical History Questionnaire and evaluate differences between the ASD and NT participants.
Results: There are 53 ASD participants and 43 NT participants with mean ages of 23.3 and 25.6 respectively. The mean birth weights of each group remain relatively similar (122.3 vs. 117). A greater number of NT participants were delivered vaginally than ASD participants (72.5% vs. 66%). More ASD participants were born before 40 weeks than NT participants (26.4% vs. 7.5%). NT participants, on average, were breastfed almost two times longer than ASD participants (11.2 months vs. 6.4). ASD participants required more time to be toilet trained for both urine and stool output (3.3 years vs. 2.4 years for urine and 4.3 years vs. 2.7 years for stool output). ASD participants have more food allergies with a higher severity and an equal likelihood of seasonal allergies but with a higher severity. ASD participants mainly reported a major regression at an average age of 19.6 months or an abnormal development from early infancy. Maternal and Paternal Histories are more severe in GI problems, ASD, Delayed Speech, Learning Disabilities, Asthma, Eczema, Seasonal and Food Allergies for ASD participants than NT participants. The most significant finding was the ASD participants’ average age of GI symptoms starting was 3.1 compared to 17.9 for NT participants.
Conclusions and Relevance: There are many factors that may contribute to the development of ASD in early childhood. Further research in a larger sample size may demonstrate more significant differences in ASD and NT populations.
ContributorsKazanchi, Alexander (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Kirby, Jasmine (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05