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.

In vivo effects of stevioside upon mice liver and kidney lysosomes

Diante das importantes funçöes celulares como a endocitose, a digestäo e a desintoxicaçäo, exercidas pelos diferentes componentes do compartimento lisossômico, decidimos estudar os efeitos in vivo do esteviosídeo sobre a atividade lisossômica. Näo foram observadas mudanças estatisticamente significantes na estabilidade das membranas lisossômicas do rim e do fígado, em camundongos tratados com 50mg/Kg peso corporal/dia. Na dose de 100mg/Kg/dia foi observado um pequeno efeito labilizador nos lisossomos hepáticos, mas näo sobre os renais