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The microbiome of the gut has been linked to several important diseases (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 31 2013), including autism. A new study adds provocative evidence in favor of this hypothesis.
A CalTech team studied a mouse model of autism — affected animals display behaviors similar to those of autistic humans. These mice have a characteristic unusual microbiome and a compromised gut mucosal barrier, which leads to absorption and high blood levels of several gut bacterial metabolites. One of these metabolites is related chemically to a metabolite that has been reported to be elevated in urine of autistic children (Biomarkers 2011; 16:252). Parenteral treatment of normal mice with another of these metabolites produced “autistic” behavior. Treatin…