USC Study Links Gut Microbial Imbalances to Autism Symptoms via Tryptophan Pathway

Published in Nature Communications, the research confirms lower levels of tryptophan metabolites in children with autism, correlating with altered brain activity and symptom severity.

• The study highlights the role of gut microbial imbalances in disrupting the tryptophan metabolic pathway, impacting neurotransmitter production and autism-related behaviors.
• Researchers analyzed data from 43 children with autism and 41 neurotypical children, integrating behavioral assessments, brain imaging, and fecal metabolomics.
• Significantly lower levels of tryptophan-related metabolites, such as kynurenate, were found in children with autism, correlating with altered insular and cingulate cortical activity.
• The findings establish a connection between gut metabolites and autism symptom severity, including sensory sensitivities and social difficulties.
• This research underscores the potential for developing interventions targeting gut health to alleviate behavioral and neurological symptoms in autism.

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