This study examined the gut microbiota in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found abnormalities in gastrointestinal function and behavior. Treatment with the probiotic Bacteroides fragilis corrected gastrointestinal deficits, improved behavioral symptoms, and normalized metabolite levels. This suggests a connection between the gut microbiome and brain in neurodevelopmental disorders, and that probiotic therapy may help treat symptoms.

1. Microbiota Modulate Behavioral and
Physiological Abnormalities Associated
with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Elaine Y. Hsiao, Sara W. McBride, Sophia Hsien et. al.
Presentation by: Juan Barrera
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/889487/thumbs/h-BRAIN-960x540.jpg

2.  Disorders include
cognitive and physical
irregularities.
 Abnormalities in
sociability, language,
and communication are
traits shared by several
neurodevelopmental
disorders.
http://www.eatright.org/uploadedImages/Your-Child-with-ASD.jpg

3.  Autism diagnoses
have increased to 1 in
88 births in the U.S. as
of 2008.
 Characterized by
sociability and
communication
difficulties along with
compulsive behavior.

4.  Recent studies have
revealed altered
motility and increased
intestinal permeability
on ASD patients.
 Higher prevalence to
GI disorders as
compared with
controls.
http://exploreim.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/gastrointestinal.concept.male_-320x320.jpg

5.  Involved in human disorders such as cardiovascular
disease, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
 Abnormalities in emotional, social, and anxiety
behaviors.
 Reported probiotic treatment could lead to therapies
to treat symptoms.

6.  Increased movement
of FITC-dextran
across intestine.
 Decrease gene
expression of tight
junction proteins.
 Indication of
increased intestinal
permeability.
Hsaio et al. (2013)
Figure 1. MIA Offspring Exhibit GI barrier Defects

7.  Treatment with Bacteroides fragilis.
 B.fragilis improves intestinal integrity.
Hsaio et al. (2013)
Figure 2. B. Fragilis Treatment Corrects GI Deficits

8.  MIA offspring do not
exhibit anxiety
behavior.
 Communication
behavior is restored.
 Retain abnormalities
in social interactions.
Hsaio et al. (2013)
Figure 3. B. fragilis treatment
improves ASD behavior

9.  Treatment completely
restores 4-
ethylphenylsulfate
(4EPS) levels in
serum.
 Indolepyruvate serum
levels brought down
to control levels.
Hsaio et al. (2013)
Figure 4. B. fragilis treatment corrects
4EPS and indolepyruvate levels

10.  MIA mouse model displays ASD symptoms.
 Gastrointestinal irregularities observed.
 Probiotic treatment with B.fragilis alleviated GI
symptoms, neurological abnormalities, and restored
metabolites.
 Gut-microbiome-brain connection and probiotic
treatment findings may be used in a wide range of
neurodevelopmental disorders.

11.  More studies need to be conducted to examine
the role of serum metabolites.
 Reported occurrence of GI abnormalities within
ASD ranges from 9%-91%.
Bacteroides fragilis
http://www.lookfordiagnosis.com/mesh_info.php?term=Bacteroides%20Fragilis&lang=1

12.  This study provides a mechanism for probiotic
use to improve ASD and GI disorders.

13. http://www.lookfordiagnosis.com/mesh_info.php?term=Bacteroides%20Fragilis&lang=1
http://exploreim.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/gastrointestinal.concept.male_-320x320.jpg
http://www.eatright.org/uploadedImages/Your-Child-with-ASD.jpg
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/889487/thumbs/h-BRAIN-960x540.jpg
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