Gastrointestinal Factors in Autistic Disorder: A Critical Review

Abstract

Interest in the gastrointestinal (GI) factors of autistic disorder (autism) has developed from descriptions of symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea in autistic children and advanced towards more detailed studies of GI histopathology and treatment modalities. This review attempts to critically and comprehensively analyze the literature as it applies to all aspects of GI factors in autism, including discussion of symptoms, pathology, nutrition, and treatment. While much literature is available on this topic, a dearth of rigorous study was found to validate GI factors specific to children with autism.

A proteomic study of serum from children with autism showing differential expression of apolipoproteins and complement proteins

“…It is possible that this indicates some abnormality of the gastrointestinal system, perhaps related to the immune abnormalities reported in the gastrointestinal tract in children with autism, that affects the apo. 29,31,64,65,66 Alternatively, the changes in apo could be due to differences in diet or various treatments.…”

Can urinary indolylacroylglycine levels be used to determine whether children with autism will benefit from dietary intervention?

“…With this controversy in mind GI abnormalities should not be considered as a defining characteristic of autism (36).…”

Complementary Medicine Products Used in Autism - Evidence for Rationale

“…As a result, caregivers may elect to implement CAM interventions to treat or prevent nutritional deficiencies. Oxidative stress (Villagonzalo et al 2010) Deficiency (Clark et al 1993;Steinemann &Christiansen 1998;Ming et al 2005) Reconnect retinoid receptor pathways (Megson 2000) Immunomodulation (Megson 2000) Antioxidant ( Gut dysbiosis and inflammation results in decreased GI synthesis of B12 and/or absorption (Kidd 2002b;Erickson et al 2005) Trans-methylation and trans-sulphation pathway abnormalities Bertoglio et al 2010) causing oxidative stress (Villagonzalo et al 2010) Normalise B12 levels Correct folate/methionine metabolite profile and other indexes of oxidative stress James et al 2009;Bertoglio et al 2010) www.intechopen.com Trans-methylation pathway abnormalities Bertoglio et al 2010) causing oxidative stress (Villagonzalo et al 2010) Neurotransmitter level abnormalities (Lam et al 2006) Correct folate/methionine metabolite profile and other indexes of oxidative stress James et al 2009 Neurotransmitter level abnormalities (Lam et al 2006) Folate/methionine pathway abnormalities Bertoglio et al 2010) Oxidative stress (Villagonzalo, et al 2010) Immunoadjuvant (Graber et al 1981) Modulate neurotransmitters (Kern et al 2001) Methyl donor (Kern et al 2001) Antioxidant (Kern et al 2001) General autistic behaviours Vitamin C Neurotransmitter level abnormalities (Lam et al 2006) Oxidative stress (Villagonzalo et al 2010) Immune system dysfunction (Goines&Van de Water 2010)…”