Autism - What every parent needs to know about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Part II
Autism - What you need to know (Part II)
What every parent needs to know about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Part II
Several studies have found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have lower levels of butyrate-producing bacteria in their gut microbiome.
This imbalance in gut microbiota may contribute to some of the symptoms associated with ASD, such as gastrointestinal issues, immune system dysfunction and behavioral and social challenges.
The gut-brain axis, a communication pathway between the gut and the brain, may play a role in some of the behavioral and social challenges seen in ASD.
What is butyrate?
Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, plays a fascinating and multifaceted role in brain health, with potential benefits ranging from neuroprotection to improved cognition.
Butyrate is used for energy by colon cells, these cells get 70% of the energy needs from butyrate.
Benefits of butyrate
Epigenetic Regulation
Butyrate acts as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, where it prevents enzymes from removing acetyl groups from histones, proteins that package DNA. This influences how tightly DNA is wound around histones, ultimately affecting which genes are expressed.
In the brain, butyrate can promote the expression of genes involved in learning, memory, and neuronal plasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt), potentially enhancing cognitive function and promoting neurogenesis (birth of new neurons).
Neuroprotection
Butyrate's anti-inflammatory properties may protect brain cells from damage caused by chronic inflammation, a key contributor to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Butyrate can stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for neuronal survival and growth.
Butyrate improves mitochondrial function, the powerhouses of cells, thereby supporting neuronal health and survival.
Gut-Brain Axis
Butyrate is primarily produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fiber in the gut.
It can then travel from the gut to the brain through the bloodstream or by directly interacting with the vagus nerve, influencing brain function and behavior.
This gut-brain connection suggests that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome with abundant butyrate-producing bacteria may benefit brain health.
Histone deacetylases (HDAC)
In the brain, HDAC activity plays a crucial role in various functions like learning, memory, and neuronal plasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt).
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a family of enzymes that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in the brain.
HDAC inhibitor helps to upregulate expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) which are essentials for neuron growth and health.
How HDACs influence your brain
Learning and Memory
HDACs regulate the expression of genes involved in learning and memory formation.
Inhibiting certain HDACs can enhance memory performance in animal models and potentially improve cognitive function in humans with impaired memory.
Some research suggests that HDAC activity might be altered in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, impacting memory and cognitive decline.
Neurogenesis
HDACs can control the growth and development of new neurons in the brain, a process called neurogenesis.
Inhibiting specific HDACs can promote neurogenesis in certain brain regions, potentially offering benefits for learning, memory, and mood regulation.
Synaptic Plasticity
HDACs influence the flexibility and adaptability of synapses, the connections between neurons, a process known as synaptic plasticity.
This plasticity is crucial for learning and memory, and HDACs play a role in fine-tuning the strength and efficiency of these connections.
Understanding how HDACs modulate synaptic plasticity could offer insights into brain function and potential therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.
Mood Regulation
HDACs are involved in regulating the expression of genes associated with mood and emotional responses.
Where can I find butyrate?
Apple Pectin – The Hidden Gem
Apple pectin is converted into butyrate by bacteria in the large intestine, inhibits the secretion of histone deacetylase (HDAC) by brain astrocytes, and acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAC inhibitor).
Foods high in resistant starch include cooked and cooled white rice, potato salad or pasta salad.
Fruits high in pectin include apples, peaches and apricots. Vegetables high in inulin include Jerusalem artichokes, onions and leeks provide sustenance for gut bacteria, promoting butyrate production.
Legumes like lentils, beans, and peas are packed with fiber and complex carbohydrates, making them excellent prebiotics that fuel the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and yogurt naturally contain live bacteria that produce butyrate and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are good sources of fiber and healthy fats, supporting a balanced gut environment and potentially boosting butyrate production.
Overall, butyrate is neuroprotective and help upregulate gene expression of BDNF and GDNF which are crucial for brain health. Although most of the studies on butyrate and brain have been conducted in animal model, the benefits of butyrate show promising in ASD children especially when there are not many viable alternatives.
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References
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not meant to diagnose‚ treat or cure any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before starting any exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using these or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.