Molecular analysis of gene-environment interactions in the
intestines of children with autism Basic & Clinical
Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances are commonly reported in
children with autism, complicate clinical management and may
contribute to behavioral impairment. Evidence of inflammation
and anecdotal reports of improvement in some children following
dietary modification, antibiotics and probiotics led us to
profile host gene expression and to survey the microbiome in
intestinal biopsies of children with autism and GI disturbances
(AUT-GI) compared to children with normal neurological
development and GI disturbances The intestine must maximize
nutritional uptake of dietary components while maintaining a
barrier to toxins and infectious agents. Dysregulation of
intestinal homeostasis can have a profound impact on the
gastrointestinal system, but can also manifest peripherally and
influence overall human health. The investigators’ previous
research identified deficiencies in gene pathways involved in
carbo