Resumen de Gut Microbiota Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorders
María Andrea Delgado, Adriana Fochesato, Luis Isaías Juncos, Pascual Angel Gargiulo
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social and cognitive functions. Although the exact etiology of ASDs remains unclear, it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. ASD patients often show comorbid medical conditions, including gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. An increasing number of evidences point to the importance of the “gut-brain axis” in the pathogenesis of ASDs, and interestingly GI disorders have a strong correlation with the severity of brain. Neuroinflammation has been described as a consequence of an increased GI permeability caused by intestinal inflammation. The gut microbiota is a diverse community of microorganisms living in the GI tract. Several studies have reported compositional differences in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) and microbial metabolites in patients with ASDs and GI disorders. The gut microbiota and its metabolic products may influence several aspects of brain function and behavior through a variety of neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic mechanisms. Metabolomics profiles are widely used for quantitative assessments of metabolites of biosynthetic and catabolic pathways, neuroactive molecules, as well as biomarkers closed linked to the microbiota. Therefore, metabolomics is a useful tool for the detection of biochemical mechanisms influenced by gut microbiota that provides a unique insight to characterize individual phenotypes in ASD patients.
