Modulation of the microbiota in the therapeutic approach to autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review

International Journal of Development Research

Volume: 
12
Article ID: 
24611
7 pages
Research Article

Modulation of the microbiota in the therapeutic approach to autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review

Gabriela Achete de Souza; Gyovanna Sorrentino dos Santos Campanari; Júlia Novaes Matias; Vinícius Marinho Lima; Gabriela Lopes; Heron Fernando de Sousa Gonzaga; Tereza Lais Menegucci Zutin; Patrícia C. dos Santos Bueno; Ricardo de Alvares Goulart; Karina R. Quesada; Raul S. J. Girio; Elen Landgraf Guiguer; Adriano Cressoni Araújo; Adriana M. R. Fiorini; Sandra Maria Barbalho and Marcelo Dib Bechara

Abstract: 

Most children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have gastrointestinal manifestations. The use of probiotics and prebiotics has gained significant scientific community visibility as possible beneficial interventions in the therapeutic arsenal of ASD. Thus, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effects of microbiota on ASD. MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE were used to perform the search and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Seven studies were selected and demonstrated significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms using prebiotics. A significant improvement in the severity of autism and gastrointestinal symptoms was observed in children treated with probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacteria longum. The use of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 was related to improvement in anxiety, externalization, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, especially in younger children. The intervention with B. infantis reduced the frequency of gastrointestinal, behavioral symptoms, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines.

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