Psychobiotics and fecal microbial transplantation for autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: microbiome modulation and therapeutic mechanisms

Abstract

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is thought to be the developmental origins of the host's health and disease through the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis: such as immune-mediated, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neurodevelopmental diseases. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders, and growing evidence indicates the contribution of the gut microbiome changes and imbalances to these conditions, pointing to the importance of considering the MGB axis in their treatment. This review summarizes the general knowledge of gut microbial colonization and development in early life and its role in the pathogenesis of ASD/ADHD, highlighting a promising therapeutic approach for ASD/ADHD through modulation of the gut microbiome using psychobiotics (probiotics that positively affect neurological function and can be applied for the treatment of psychiatric diseases) and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT).

Keywords: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; autism spectrum disorder; fecal microbial transplantation; gut microbiome; psychobiotics.

Figure 1

Action mechanisms by which psychobiotics and fecal microbial transplantation exert the potential therapeutic effect on ASD and ADHD. Abbreviations: γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Figure 2

(A) Microbial colonization and development from birth to child. (B) Various environmental factors could induce gut dysbiosis and result in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis, late onset sepsis, neurodevelopmental disorders, diarrhea, atopic disease, and type I diabetes.