Biomolecules · 5 authors, 3 centres
This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on how lead exposure may contribute to ASD etiology through disruption of gut microbiota and subsequent neurobiological effects mediated by the gut–brain axis. The authors propose that targeting gut microbiota manipulation and lead toxicity could yield novel therapeutic approaches for ASD.
This narrative review examines the intersection of lead (Pb) exposure, gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The authors describe ASD as a neurodevelopmental disorder with a heterogeneous genetic basis accounting for 10–20% of cases, implicating GM and environmental toxins such as Pb in the remaining etiology. The gut–brain axis is presented as a bidirectional communication pathway linking GM alterations to neurological and behavioral outcomes. Short-chain fatty acid metabolites produced by GM are discussed as relevant mediators of immune, GI, and CNS functions implicated in ASD.
