Introduction:

Dysbiosis in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can lead to intestinal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability, which may contribute to gastrointestinal and neurobehavioral manifestations.

Objective:

To assess the relationship between dysbiosis and fecal levels of zonulin and calprotectin in children with ASD.

Methods:

Zonulin levels were measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, fecal calprotectin levels via turbidimetry, and dysbiosis was assessed through culture methods in a cohort of 40 children with ASD and 18 neurotypical children.

Results:

Intestinal dysbiosis was identified in 95% of the ASD patients studied. Among these, 65% exhibited elevated levels of zonulin and/or fecal calprotectin. High levels of fecal zonulin were observed in 15% of children with ASD, with a median value of 44.5 ng/mL (IQR = 43.0) in the ASD group and 42.0 ng/mL (IQR = 19.0) in the control group, with no significant differences between groups. Elevated fecal calprotectin levels were found in 60% of children with ASD, with a median value of 75.0 μg/g (IQR = 127.3), compared to 21.0 μg/g (IQR = 23.5) in the control group. Calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the ASD group compared to controls (W = 116.5, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

A relationship was observed between dysbiosis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and elevated fecal calprotectin levels in children with ASD.