O'Grady Katelyn, Grabrucker Andreas M
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
J Neurochem. 2025 Mar;169(3):e70041. doi: 10.1111/jnc.70041.
Despite being classified as neurodevelopmental disorders, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in the association between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and gut pathology. This comprehensive and systematic review explores a potential mechanism underlying gut pathology in ASDs, including alterations in gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, immune dysregulation, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Specifically, it delves into the role of toxic and essential metals and their interplay, affecting the development and function of the GI tract. The review also discusses the potential implications of this gut pathology in the development and management of ASDs. Studies have shown that heavy metal exposure, whether through environmental sources or dietary intake, can disrupt the delicate balance of trace elements in the gut. This disruption can adversely affect zinc homeostasis, potentially exacerbating gut pathology in individuals with ASDs. The impaired zinc absorption resulting from heavy metal exposure may contribute to the immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation observed in the gut of individuals with ASDs. By shedding light on the multifaceted nature of gut pathology, including the impact of metal dyshomeostasis as a non-genetic factor in ASD, this review underscores the significance of the gut-brain axis in the etiology and management of ASDs.
尽管自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）被归类为神经发育障碍，但近年来，人们对ASD与肠道病理之间的关联越来越感兴趣。这篇全面而系统的综述探讨了ASD肠道病理的潜在机制，包括肠道微生物群的改变、肠道通透性、免疫失调和胃肠道（GI）症状。具体而言，它深入研究了有毒金属和必需金属的作用及其相互作用，这些作用会影响胃肠道的发育和功能。该综述还讨论了这种肠道病理对ASD的发展和管理的潜在影响。研究表明，无论是通过环境来源还是饮食摄入，重金属暴露都会破坏肠道中微量元素的微妙平衡。这种破坏会对锌稳态产生不利影响，可能会加剧ASD患者的肠道病理。重金属暴露导致的锌吸收受损可能会导致ASD患者肠道中出现免疫失调、氧化应激和炎症。通过揭示肠道病理的多方面性质，包括金属动态平衡失调作为ASD中非遗传因素的影响，这篇综述强调了肠-脑轴在ASD病因学和管理中的重要性。
