Biomarkers of gut microbiome changes in children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by social and behavioural impairments. The aetiology of ASD is commonly described as a genetic predisposition in combination with an environmental impact. Research involving twin studies strongly supports a significant contribution of environmental factors in addition to genetic factors in non-syndromic ASD aetiology. There is described correlation between aberrant behaviours and gastrointestinal problems in young children with ASD. The gut-brain axis consists of bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions e.g. by  signalling from gut-microbiota to brain and from brain to gut-microbiota by means of neural, endocrine, immune, and humoral links via bacterial fermentation products. The current studies underline the role of metabolites derived from the gut microbiota by modulation the behavioural phenotype of the host. During this study DNA from faecal samples of affected children will be isolated and composition of microbiome determined by 16S sequencing. Medical records, data on microbiomes and organic acid spectra of urine will be integrated to obtain biomarkers of altered gut microbiome in children.