In a research study published in Cell in December 2013, investigators evaluated the effect of correcting abnormal gut permeability on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mice.
Using a maternal immune activation mouse model, mice treated with Bacteroides fragilis showed correction of their gut permeability defect and improvement in autism-like behaviors including “communicative, stereotypic, anxiety-like and sensorimotor behaviors.”
The findings support the concept that gut bacteria can impact behavior and suggest that probiotics may be beneficial in ASD. The author’s conclusion:
“Taken together, these findings support a gut-microbiome-brain connection in a mouse model of ASD and identify a potential probiotic therapy for GI and particular behavioral symptoms in human neurodevelopmental disorders.”
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