Histologic, Microbiological and Molecular Analyses of Bowel Disease in ASDs (Pilot Project Award)

Debilitating gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is described in some autistic children, possibly at higher frequency in individuals with a regressive phenotype. Its cause is unknown; however, some studies have implicated inflammation or infection. The significance of gastrointestinal dysfunction for brain dysfunction is controversial; some investigators have proposed that differences in GI microflora induce inflammation, influence permeability of the GI tract, or release novel neuroactive peptides that have remote effects in brain. Our project will use sensitive new assays for gene expression, microbiology and immunology to survey GI tract biopsies and blood from two groups of children: one group with GI dysfunction and autism, and one group with GI dysfunction but no neurological disturbance. The implication of an infectious agent (or agents) as factors (or cofactors) in autism or associated GI comorbidity could lead to new strategies for prophylaxis or therapeutic intervention. Discovery of distinct profiles of gene expression in GI tract or of soluble factors in peripheral blood may provide insights into pathogenesis; inform genetic analyses; and facilitate management by providing therapeutic targets and objective criteria for diagnosis and treatment response.