GW4064 Alters Gut Microbiota Composition and Counteracts Autism-Associated Behaviors in BTBR T+tf/J Mice

A synbiotic formulation of Lactobacillus reuteri and inulin alleviates ASD-like behaviors in a mouse model: the mediating role of the gut-brain axis

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors, may see symptom amelioration through gut microbiota modulation. This study investigates the effects of a synbiotic - specifically a probiotic amplified by prebiotic supplementation - on ASD-like mouse model's social deficiencies. This model was established via valproic acid injection into pregnant females. Post-weaning, male progeny received daily synbiotic treatment, a combination of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) and inulin, for four weeks. Results indicated that the synbiotic rectified social impairments and attenuated inflammatory cytokine expressions in the brain. Moreover, synbiotic intervention protected gut barrier integrity and altered the gut microbiota composition, enhancing the butyrate-producing Bifidobacterium abundance. The synbiotic elevated metabolites such as butyrate and 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-HB), alongside upregulated genes associated with 3-HB synthesis in the colon and liver, and brain receptors. Conclusively, the synbiotic combination of L. reuteri and inulin mitigated ASD-related social impairments, partially via their regulatory effect on the gut-brain axis.

Targeting the gut-microbiota-brain axis in irritable bowel disease to improve cognitive function - recent knowledge and emerging therapeutic opportunities

The brain-gut axis forms a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cognitive brain areas. Disturbances to this system in disease states such as inflammatory bowel disease have consequences for neuronal activity and subsequent cognitive function. The gut-microbiota-brain axis refers to the communication between gut-resident bacteria and the brain. This circuits exists to detect gut microorganisms and relay information to specific areas of the central nervous system (CNS) that in turn, regulate gut physiology. Changes in both the stability and diversity of the gut microbiota have been implicated in several neuronal disorders, including depression, autism spectrum disorder Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Correcting this imbalance with medicinal herbs, the metabolic products of dysregulated bacteria and probiotics have shown hope for the treatment of these neuronal disorders. In this review, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the intricate connections between the gut-microbiota and the brain. We discuss the contribution of gut microbiota to neuronal disorders and the tangible links between diseases of the GI tract with cognitive function and behaviour. In this regard, we focus on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) given its strong links to brain function and anxiety disorders. This adds to the growing body of evidence supporting targeted therapeutic strategies to modulate the gut microbiota for the treatment of brain/mental-health-related disease.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N-1 improves autism-like behavior and gut microbiota in mouse

Introduction

The gut-brain axis has been widely recognized in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and probiotics are considered to potentially benefit the rescuing of autism-like behaviors. As a probiotic strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarumN-1(LPN-1) was utilized to investigate its effects on gut microbiota and autism-like behaviors in ASD mice constructed by maternal immune activation (MIA).

Methods

Adult offspring of MIA mice were given LPN-1 at the dosage of 2  ×  109  CFU/g for 4  weeks before subject to the behavior and gut microbiota evaluation.

Results

The behavioral tests showed that LPN-1 intervention was able to rescue autism-like behaviors in mice, including anxiety and depression. In which the LPN-1 treatment group increased the time spent interacting with strangers in the three-chamber test, their activity time and distance in the central area increased in the open field test, and their immobility time decreased when hanging their tails. Moreover, the supplementation of LPN-1 reversed the intestinal flora structure of ASD mice by enhancing the relative abundance of the pivotal microorganisms of Allobaculum and Oscillospira, while reducing those harmful ones like Sutterella at the genus level.

Discussion

These results suggested that LPN-1 supplementation may improve autism-like behaviors, possibly via regulating the gut microbiota.