Researchers have linked autism to gut health.
Scientists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong believe the findings could help develop a new diagnostic tool for autism.
They found alterations in four gut microbes and highlighted 31 biomarkers that they say have “great potential” for diagnosing autism.
And they believe the findings could lead to potential treatments.
Professor Siew Ng said her team’s work has shown the potential of a non-invasive biomarker for autism
Treatment alleviated anxiety
In a pilot study, the researchers showed that treating these changes in the gut alleviated the symptoms of anxiety in children on the autism spectrum.
Professor Siew Ng is the director of the university’s microbiota centre.
She said the research was the first study to “demonstrate the robustness and utility of a non-invasive biomarker to diagnose and predict ASD (autism spectrum disorder) across different ages, gender and settings”.
Development of a diagnostic tool
The scientists examined stool samples from 1,627 children with and without autism aged between one and 13 to attempt to develop a diagnostic tool.
The treatment used by the research team involved boosting levels of y-aminobutyric acid in the gut.
When this neurotransmitter is depleted it can lead to sensory hypersensitivity and anxiety.
The treatment enabled the researchers to identify autistic children with up to 82 per cent accuracy.
Improvement in quality of life
The researchers trialled the treatment on 30 autistic children aged between four and 11 years for 12 weeks.
The scientists say the children showed a reduction in sensory and anxiety symptoms of between 15 and 20 per cent.
Biomedical charity Thinking Autism said the study adds to a “large body of evidence” that points to a link between autism and gut health.
In a statement, the charity said it hopes the study leads not only to a new diagnostic tool, but also to “treatments which could potentially improve quality of life for many thousands of people”.
The study appeared in the scientific journal Nature Microbiology.
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Published: 14 July 2024
