For the study, the team analyzed behavioral data, brain imaging, and stool samples from 43 children with autism and 41 neurotypical children aged 8 to 17
A new study has found that an imbalance in the digestive system may disrupt brain signals and influence behavioral symptoms in children with autism. Conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC), the study explores how gut metabolites affect the brain and, in turn, behavior. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the research highlights the role of the “gut-brain” axis in autism, adding to growing scientific evidence that links gut health to brain function.
“The brain acts as the intermediary between gut health and autism-related behaviors,” said Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, the study’s lead author and a professor at USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute. While previous studies have identified differences in gut microbiomes and brain structures in children with autism, this study goes further by connecting these factors through the metabolites produced in the gut.
For the study, the team analyzed behavioral data, brain imaging, and stool samples from 43 children with autism and 41 neurotypical children aged 8 to 17. The researchers focused on metabolites produced by gut bacteria during the digestion process, particularly those from the tryptophan pathway. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in many foods, is broken down into several metabolites, including serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for emotional regulation, social interaction, and learning.
Since much of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut microbiome, alterations in gut health can affect serotonin levels, potentially influencing brain activity and behavior. Aziz-Zadeh explained, “We know that children with autism exhibit brain differences, with some areas being more or less active compared to typically developing children.” She added that many children with autism also experience gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and stomach pain, alongside behavioral symptoms like repetitive actions and social difficulties.
This groundbreaking study could lead to new interventions targeting the gut microbiome to help influence neural activity and alleviate some behavioral symptoms of autism. By further understanding the connection between the gut and the brain, researchers hope to develop strategies that could improve outcomes for children with autism, addressing both their digestive and behavioral health.
