Implications in Autism Spectrum Disorders using Enteric short chain fatty acids of microbial modulators of Mitochondria, Metabolism and Mind

Medical findings indicate that intestinal and dietary influences, transiently exacerbate symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and in some cases tend to improve, although the explanation for this is unclear. Recent literature indicates ASD as a family of that occurrence systemic disorders that manifest altered immunity, metabolism and gene expression and altered gut microbiome components. Pre or perinatal infection, antibiotics, hospitalization, diet or recent human migration are emerging as a major risk factor for ASD and many other neurological conditions. Can a common environmental agent link these disparate findings? The proposal that short chain fatty acids (SCFA) represent a group of compounds produced by the host microbiome from dietary carbohydrate fermentation, which can induce widespread effects on host gut, brain, immunity and behavior that are time and dose sensitive. Collectively SCFA provide a mechanism where the microbiome may “sculpt” brain development and behavior. Imbalances in SCFA metabolism may link the diverse symptoms and findings in ASDs and related conditions.

Author(s): Derrick MacFabe

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