Gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study
BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, implicating the gut microbiota and its metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in disease pathology via the gut-brain axis. However, the microbial-SCFA nexus in ASD remains controversial,...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1609638/full |
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| author | Fangtao Xiang Mei Zhang Xin Wei Jiali Chang |
| author_facet | Fangtao Xiang Mei Zhang Xin Wei Jiali Chang |
| author_sort | Fangtao Xiang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, implicating the gut microbiota and its metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in disease pathology via the gut-brain axis. However, the microbial-SCFA nexus in ASD remains controversial, necessitating integrated analyses to clarify these relationships. This study aimed to investigate intestinal microbiota composition and its potential influence on SCFA production in children with ASD compared to typically developing Control, exploring links to GI symptoms and neurodevelopmental outcomes.MethodsFecal samples from 38 ASD children (aged 4–12 years) and 33 age-matched Control were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina MiSeq, V3-V4 region) to assess microbial diversity, taxonomy, and predicted functions (PICRUSt2). Alpha and beta diversity, differential taxa, and metabolic pathways were evaluated with QIIME2, MetagenomeSeq, and LEfSe. SCFA production was inferred based on taxonomic composition and microbial abundance analysis.ResultsASD samples exhibited reduced alpha diversity (Chao1, Observed species, p < 0.05), distinct beta diversity (PERMANOVA, p = 0.001), and taxonomic shifts, with inferred Firmicutes depletion and Bacteroidetes enrichment. Predicted metabolic pathways suggested lower butyrate and higher acetate/propionate production in ASD (p < 0.01). Network analysis revealed diminished microbial connectivity, potentially disrupting SCFA synthesis.ConclusionsThese findings indicate microbial dysbiosis in ASD, likely skewing SCFA profiles toward reduced butyrate and elevated propionate, which may exacerbate GI and neurological symptoms. This supports microbiota-targeted interventions (e.g., probiotics) as potential therapeutic strategies, providing theoretical and data support for further determining the impact of SCFAs on metabolism. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ec858716491b4bf0bd82ef82be2ca689 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1664-0640 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
| spelling | doaj-art-ec858716491b4bf0bd82ef82be2ca6892025-08-20T02:38:24ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychiatry1664-06402025-07-011610.3389/fpsyt.2025.16096381609638Gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder: a comparative studyFangtao Xiang0Mei Zhang1Xin Wei2Jiali Chang3Leshan Normal University, Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Sciences for Language Intelligence in Special Education, Leshan, ChinaLeshan Normal University, Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Sciences for Language Intelligence in Special Education, Leshan, ChinaLeshan Normal University, Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Sciences for Language Intelligence in Special Education, Leshan, ChinaLeshan Normal University, College of New Energy Materials and Chemistry, Leshan, ChinaBackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, implicating the gut microbiota and its metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in disease pathology via the gut-brain axis. However, the microbial-SCFA nexus in ASD remains controversial, necessitating integrated analyses to clarify these relationships. This study aimed to investigate intestinal microbiota composition and its potential influence on SCFA production in children with ASD compared to typically developing Control, exploring links to GI symptoms and neurodevelopmental outcomes.MethodsFecal samples from 38 ASD children (aged 4–12 years) and 33 age-matched Control were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina MiSeq, V3-V4 region) to assess microbial diversity, taxonomy, and predicted functions (PICRUSt2). Alpha and beta diversity, differential taxa, and metabolic pathways were evaluated with QIIME2, MetagenomeSeq, and LEfSe. SCFA production was inferred based on taxonomic composition and microbial abundance analysis.ResultsASD samples exhibited reduced alpha diversity (Chao1, Observed species, p < 0.05), distinct beta diversity (PERMANOVA, p = 0.001), and taxonomic shifts, with inferred Firmicutes depletion and Bacteroidetes enrichment. Predicted metabolic pathways suggested lower butyrate and higher acetate/propionate production in ASD (p < 0.01). Network analysis revealed diminished microbial connectivity, potentially disrupting SCFA synthesis.ConclusionsThese findings indicate microbial dysbiosis in ASD, likely skewing SCFA profiles toward reduced butyrate and elevated propionate, which may exacerbate GI and neurological symptoms. This supports microbiota-targeted interventions (e.g., probiotics) as potential therapeutic strategies, providing theoretical and data support for further determining the impact of SCFAs on metabolism.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1609638/fullgut microbiotaphylogenetic analysisautism spectrum disordermetabolitechild |
| spellingShingle | Fangtao Xiang Mei Zhang Xin Wei Jiali Chang Gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study Frontiers in Psychiatry gut microbiota phylogenetic analysis autism spectrum disorder metabolite child |
| title | Gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study |
| title_full | Gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study |
| title_fullStr | Gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study |
| title_short | Gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study |
| title_sort | gut microbiota composition and phylogenetic analysis in autism spectrum disorder a comparative study |
| topic | gut microbiota phylogenetic analysis autism spectrum disorder metabolite child |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1609638/full |
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