title: Gut microbiota and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: new perspectives for a challenging condition.
abstract: A bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain (gut-brain axis) is well recognized with the gut microbiota viewed as a key regulator of this cross-talk. Currently, a body of preclinical and to a lesser extent epidemiological evidence supports the notion that host-microbe interactions play a key role in brain development and function and in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Early life events and shifts away from traditional lifestyles are known to impact gut microbiota composition and function and, thereby, may increase the risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is nowadays the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. Despite many years of research its etiology is unclear and its diagnosis and treatment are still challenging. Different factors reported to be associated with the risk of developing ADHD and/or linked to different ADHD manifestations have also been linked to shifts in gut microbiota composition, suggesting a link between the microbiota and the disorder. Evidence from preliminary human studies also suggests that dietary components that modulate gut microbiota may also influence ADHD development or symptoms, although further studies are warranted to confirm this hypothesis. Here, we firstly review the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may regulate the brain-gut axis and influence behavior and neurodevelopmental disorders. Secondly, we discuss the current knowledge about the different factors and dietary components reported to be associated with the risk of developing ADHD or its manifestations and with shifts in gut microbiota composition. Finally, we briefly highlight the need to progress our understanding regarding the role of the gut microbiota in ADHD, since this could open new avenues for early intervention and improved management of the disease.
authors.affiliation: Microbial Ecology, Nutrition and Health Research Group, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Avd. Agustín Escardino, 7, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain. mccenit81@gmail.com.|Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Peset University Hospital, Avd. De Gaspar Aguilar, 80, 46017, Valencia, Spain. mccenit81@gmail.com.
authors.forename: María Carmen
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cenit
authors.affiliation: Microbial Ecology, Nutrition and Health Research Group, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Avd. Agustín Escardino, 7, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Isabel Campillo
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Nuevo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Peset University Hospital, Avd. De Gaspar Aguilar, 80, 46017, Valencia, Spain.|Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Av Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Codoñer-Franch
authors.affiliation: APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.|Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Timothy G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Dinan
authors.affiliation: Microbial Ecology, Nutrition and Health Research Group, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Avd. Agustín Escardino, 7, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain. yolsanz@iata.csic.es.
authors.forename: Yolanda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sanz
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans
keywords: ADHD; Dysbiosis; Gut–brain axis; Microbiota