Advances in roles of microbiota-gut-brain axis in autism spectrum disorder
LIANG Jingjing1,2, MA Bingjie1,2, JING Jin2
1. Department of Children Healthcare, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong Province, China; 2. Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD) is a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions and communication together with repetitive and restrictive behaviours. Many ASD children also display symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbance, which may aggravate social withdrawal, stereotyping, hyperactivity and other behavioral problems. Gut microbiota established the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain by the “microbiota-gut-brain axis”, suggesting gut microbiota disturbance may play an important role in the development or presentation of ASD symptoms. This article reviews the relationship between gut microbiota and ASD, and provide theoretical basis by discussing gut microbiota as a potential target for ASD therapy.