Human Gut Microbiome Metabolism and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Clinically diagnosed individuals with Autism spectrum disorder exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, dysbiosis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and increased intestinal permeability. The enteric nervous system can communicate with the central nervous system through neurochemical signals that are stimulated by microbial associated molecular patterns and metabolite production. This so-called gut-brain axis can, therefore, be exploited for novel therapeutics that inhibit atypical neurochemical signaling produced by altered microbial composition and microbial metabolic means.