Synopsis
A recent study reveals that an imbalance in gut health can affect brain signals, leading to behavioral symptoms in autistic children. Researchers at USC found connections between gut metabolites and brain activity, suggesting potential interventions targeting gut health.Key Takeaways
- An imbalance in gut health can influence brain signals in children with autism.
- The study highlights the connection between gut metabolites and behavior.
- Serotonin production is linked to gut health and emotional processing.
- Autistic children often experience gastrointestinal issues.
- Potential interventions targeting the gut may improve behavioral outcomes.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) An imbalance in the digestive system may interfere with brain signals, thereby impacting behavioral symptoms in children with autism, as indicated by a study released on Monday.
Research conducted by the University of Southern California (USC) has shown that gut metabolites significantly influence the brain, which subsequently affects behavior.
The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, contribute to a growing body of evidence linking the “gut-brain” axis to autism.
“The brain serves as the mediator between gut health and autism-related behaviors,” said Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, the study's lead author and Professor at the Brain and Creativity Institute at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.
“While prior studies have pointed out variations in gut microbiomes and brain structures in autism, our research draws connections,” she elaborated.
The investigation involved gathering behavioral data, brain imaging data, and stool samples from 43 children with autism and 41 neurotypical children aged 8-17. The team analyzed metabolites produced by gut bacteria that break down food in the digestive tract.
Next, the researchers correlated these metabolites with the brain differences observed in autistic children and their behavioral traits. Their focus was on the “tryptophan pathway”, where tryptophan—an amino acid prevalent in many foods—is metabolized into various compounds, including serotonin.
Serotonin is vital for emotional processing, social interaction, learning, and other brain functions. Since a significant portion of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut microbiome, alterations in gut health can impact serotonin production, the researchers noted.
“We understand that children with autism exhibit brain differences—some brain regions are either less active or more active than those in typically developing children,” Aziz-Zadeh stated.
“They often face gastrointestinal challenges, such as constipation, abdominal pain, and other digestive issues. Furthermore, autism is linked to a range of symptoms, including repetitive behaviors and social difficulties.”
This study could pave the way for interventions aimed at targeting the gut to potentially influence neural activity and behavior.
