PRELIMINARY DATA ON THE LINK BETWEEN THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOME AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Authors

  • Daniela BOBOC “Ovidius” University Constanţa, Romania
  • M. COJOCARU “Maria Montessori” School Center for Inclusive Education, Constanţa, Romania
  • L. GURGAȘ “Ovidius” University Constanţa, Romania
  • A. CIOBICĂ Academy of Romanian Scientists Bucharest, Romania
  • Anca TRIFAN Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Ana-Maria SÎNGEAP Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • I. OVIDIU Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Natalia ROȘOIU “Ovidius” University Constanţa, Romania

Abstract

Today autism is an extremely serious problem. Although the number of the children born with this pervasive developmental disorder has increased, the causes of its occurrence have not yet been identified. Aim: We want to demonstrate that the severity of gastrointestinal disorders would be related to the worsening of symptoms in people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Analyzing the intestinal microbiome is particularly important for people with autism because an imbalance in the intestinal microbiome affects their good physical and mental development. Materials and methods: In our study, we highlighted the importance of a suitable diet for a better development of children with autism. Children with ASD are at a significantly increased risk of chronic gastrointestinal problems from an early age. The underlying mechanism to explain how gastrointestinal dysfunction can affect autism spectrum disorder behaviors has led to the idea that the microbiome-gut-brain axis contributes to behavioral and cognitive disorders. Results: These children have a high prevalence of intestinal transit disorders such as constipation, a fact that influences the severity of symptoms in ASD. The results of our research indicate an increased prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among children with ASD compared to the control group. Conclusions: Intestinal dysbiosis can influence the severity of symptoms in autism. An understanding of the mechanisms by which the microbiome-gut-brain axis acts will lead to the use of therapeutic strategies.

Author Biographies

  • Daniela BOBOC, “Ovidius” University Constanţa, Romania

    Ph.D. Student, Doctoral School
    “Maria Montessori” School Center for Inclusive Education, Constanţa, Romania

  • M. COJOCARU, “Maria Montessori” School Center for Inclusive Education, Constanţa, Romania

    Academy of Romanian Scientists Bucharest, Romania

  • L. GURGAȘ, “Ovidius” University Constanţa, Romania

    Faculty of Medicine

  • A. CIOBICĂ, Academy of Romanian Scientists Bucharest, Romania

    “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania / Faculty of Biology
    Department of Biology
    Romanian Academy, Iasi, Romania
    Centre of Biomedical Research,
    “Apollonia” University, Iasi, Romania
    Preclinical Department

  • Anca TRIFAN, Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (I)
    “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania
    Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

  • Ana-Maria SÎNGEAP, Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (I)
    “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania
    Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

  • I. OVIDIU, Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Mother and Child Medicine

  • Natalia ROȘOIU, “Ovidius” University Constanţa, Romania

    Ph.D. Student, Doctoral School
    Faculty of Medicine         
    “Titu Maiorescu University” / Faculty of Medicine, Bucharest, Romania

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Additional Files

Published

2024-09-18

Issue

Section

INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS