Selective Probiotic Treatment Positively Modulates the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism.

Recent studies have shown promise for the use of probiotics in modulating behaviour through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In the present study, we assessed the impact of two probiotic strains in mitigating autism-related symptomology in the BTBR /J mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Male juvenile BTBR mice were randomized into: (1) control, (2) probiotic (1 × 10 CFU/mL HA-114), and (3) probiotic groups (1 × 10 CFU/mL HA-118) (n = 18-21/group), receiving treatments in drinking water for 4 weeks. Gut microbiota profiling by 16S rRNA showed , but not supplementation, to increase microbial richness and phylogenetic diversity, with a rise in potential anti-inflammatory and butyrate-producing taxa. Assessing serum and brain metabolites, and supplementation produced distinct metabolic profiles, with treatment elevating concentrations of potentially beneficial neuroactive compounds, such as 5-aminovaleric acid and choline. As mitochondrial dysfunction is often observed in ASD, we assessed mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. No differences were observed for either treatment. Both and treatment reduced behavioural deficits in social novelty preference. However, no changes in hyperactivity, repetitive behaviour, and sociability were observed. Results show to impart positive changes along the microbiota-gut-brain axis, exhibiting beneficial effects on selected behaviour, gut microbial diversity, and metabolism in BTBR mice.