Opioid peptides and gastrointestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorders.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by deficits in the individual's ability to socialize, communicate, and use the imagination, in addition to stereotyped behaviors. These disorders have a heterogenous phenotype, both in relation to symptoms and regarding severity. Organic problems related to the gastrointestinal tract are often associated with ASD, including dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, indigestion, malabsorption, food intolerance, and food allergies, leading to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. In an attempt to explain the pathophysiology involved in autism, a theory founded on opioid excess has been the focus of various investigations, since it partially explains the symptomatology of the disorder. Another hypothesis has been put forward whereby the probable triggers of ASDs would be related to the presence of bacteria in the bowel, oxidative stress, and intestinal permeability. The present update reviews these hypotheses.
Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (BAHIANA), Salvador, BA, Brazil.|Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Autismo (LABIRINTO), Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Cristiane P
CP
Lázaro
Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (BAHIANA), Salvador, BA, Brazil.|Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Autismo (LABIRINTO), Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Milena P
MP
Pondé
Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (BAHIANA), Salvador, BA, Brazil.|Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Autismo (LABIRINTO), Salvador, BA, Brazil.|Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Pesquisas Básicas, BAHIANA, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Luiz E A
LE
Rodrigues
D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000378:metabolism
D018847:Opioid Peptides; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds