Lewandowska-Pietruszka Zuzanna, Figlerowicz Magdalena, Mazur-Melewska Katarzyna
Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, 60-572 Poznan, Poland.
Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Doctoral School, 60-812 Poznan, Poland.
Nutrients. 2025 Aug 27;17(17):2781. doi: 10.3390/nu17172781.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and frequent gastrointestinal comorbidities. Emerging research suggests gut microbiota alterations contribute to ASD symptoms and gastrointestinal dysfunction, but detailed microbial profiles and clinical correlations remain underexplored.
This study analyzed gut microbiota in 45 children aged 2-18 years diagnosed with ASD. Stool samples underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Clinical assessments included ASD diagnostic subtype, adaptive functioning using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, gastrointestinal symptoms as per the Rome IV criteria, dietary patterns, and demographic variables. Statistical analyses correlated microbiota profiles with clinical features.
Gut microbiota composition was significantly influenced by delivery mode, age, sex, and diet. Vaginally delivered children had higher beneficial SCFA-producing bacteria, whereas Cesarean section was linked to increased pathogenic . High-calorie and protein-rich diets correlated with shifts toward pro-inflammatory taxa. Microbial diversity and specific genera correlated with adaptive behavior domains (communication, socialization, motor skills) and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. Both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory bacteria variably impacted neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Gut microbiota composition in children with ASD is shaped by multifactorial influences and connected to neurobehavioral and gastrointestinal phenotypes. The findings of this study support the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions to ameliorate ASD-associated symptoms and improve quality of life.
自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）是一种复杂的神经发育疾病，其特征为社交沟通缺陷、重复行为以及频繁的胃肠道合并症。新兴研究表明肠道微生物群的改变会导致ASD症状和胃肠道功能障碍，但详细的微生物特征和临床相关性仍未得到充分探索。
本研究分析了45名年龄在2至18岁之间被诊断为ASD的儿童的肠道微生物群。粪便样本进行了16S rRNA基因测序。临床评估包括ASD诊断亚型、使用文兰适应行为量表评估的适应功能、根据罗马IV标准评估的胃肠道症状、饮食模式以及人口统计学变量。统计分析将微生物群特征与临床特征相关联。
肠道微生物群的组成受到分娩方式、年龄、性别和饮食的显著影响。经阴道分娩的儿童有益的产短链脂肪酸细菌含量较高，而剖宫产则与致病性增加有关。高热量和高蛋白饮食与向促炎类群的转变相关。微生物多样性和特定属与适应行为领域（沟通、社交、运动技能）以及胃肠道症状的严重程度相关。促炎和抗炎细菌均对神经发育结果产生不同影响。
ASD儿童的肠道微生物群组成受多因素影响，并与神经行为和胃肠道表型相关。本研究结果支持以微生物群为靶点的干预措施改善ASD相关症状和提高生活质量的潜力。
