ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the gut microbiota composition in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical (NT) children, with a focus on identifying potential differences in gut bacteria between these groups. The microbiota was analyzed through the massive sequencing of region V3-V4 of the 16S RNA gene, utilizing DNA extracted from stool samples of participants. Our findings revealed no significant differences in the dominant bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobiota) between the ASD and NT groups. However, at the genus level, notable disparities were observed in the abundance of Blautia, Prevotella, Clostridium XI, and Clostridium XVIII, all of which have been previously associated with ASD. Furthermore, a sex-based analysis unveiled additional discrepancies in gut microbiota composition. Specifically, three genera (Megamonas, Oscilibacter, Acidaminococcus) exhibited variations between male and female groups in both ASD and NT cohorts. Particularly noteworthy was the exclusive presence of Megamonas in females with ASD. Analysis of predicted metabolic pathways suggested an enrichment of pathways related to amine and polyamine degradation, as well as amino acid degradation in the ASD group. Conversely, pathways implicated in carbohydrate biosynthesis, degradation, and fermentation were found to be underrepresented. Despite the limitations of our study, including a relatively small sample size (30 ASD and 31 NT children) and the utilization of predicted metabolic pathways derived from 16S RNA gene analysis rather than metagenome sequencing, our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting a potential association between gut microbiota composition and ASD. Future research endeavors should focus on validating these findings with larger sample sizes and exploring the functional significance of these microbial differences in ASD. Additionally, there is a critical need for further investigations to elucidate sex differences in gut microbiota composition and their potential implications for ASD pathology and treatment.
Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Humans , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics , Autism Spectrum Disorder/microbiology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/metabolism , Female , Male , Child , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Bacteria/classification , Bacteria/genetics , Bacteria/metabolism , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Feces/microbiology , Child, Preschool , Sex Factors , Sex Characteristics , Metabolic Networks and PathwaysABSTRACT
Uno de los instrumentos más utilizados a nivel internacional en la vigilancia del desarrollo del niño es la segunda versión del Denver Developmental Screening Test (DENVER II), del cual se han hecho evaluaciones y modificaciones en varios países, a partir de la estimación de la edad de presentación de los reactivos, pues constituye la base de su estructura y validez. Objetivo Identificar las edades y secuencias de presentación de los reactivos del Test Denver II en los cuatro primeros años de vida en niños de condición socioeconómica baja de una comunidad del Estado de Morelos, México. Método Se realizaron 2350 evaluaciones a niños de 0 a 48 meses de edad. Mediante un modelo de regresión logística se estimó la edad de presentación de cada reactivo para los percentiles 25, 50, 75 y 90. Se establecieron diferencias con los valores de referencia del instrumento con base en los intervalos de confianza al 95% para el percentil 90. Resultados De los 98 reactivos evaluados, 42 se presentaron con retraso; 23 no mostraron diferencias estadísticas y 33 se lograron antes por los niños del estudio. En las áreas Motor grueso y Personal-social predominaron los retrasos en 19/25 y 11/21 reactivos respectivamente. Por el contrario en Motor Fino-Adaptativo y Lenguaje predominaron los adelantos en 11 de 22 y 16 de 30 reactivos. Conclusiones Existen diferencias en las edades y secuencias de presentación de los reactivos del Test de Denver II en la población estudiada. Se recomienda realizar ajustes antes de implementar su uso en contextos socioculturales específicos.
The Denver Developmental Screening Test (Denver II) is the most used internationally tool for child development surveillance, from which assessments and changes have been made in several countries, from the estimate of the age of presentation of the items, because it constitutes the basis of its structure and validity. Objective To identify the age and sequences acquiring of each item of the Denver-II test during the first four years of life in children of low socioeconomic status from a community of Morelos State, Mexico. Method 2350 assessments were conducted to children from 0 to 48 months of age. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the age of presentation of each item to the centiles 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th. Differences were established with values of reference based on confidence intervals up to 95% for 90th centile. Results Of the 98 items evaluated, 42 were submitted delayed, 23 showed no statistical difference and 33 were acquired in earlier age in children of Morelos. In the Gross Motor and Personal-social areas predominated the delayed with 19/25 and 11/21 items, respectively. By contrast, in Fine Motor-Adaptive and Language predominated the advances, with 11/22 and 16/30 items. Conclusions There are differences in the age and sequence of presentation of the items of the Denver-II test in the population studied. Adjustments are recommended before implementing its use in specific socio-cultural contexts.
