Gut-Brain Inflammation Due to Toxin-Activated Mast Cells and Microglia in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Recent data from the CDC indicate that the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors , has increased to 1 in 31 children. Individuals with ASD have a constellation of neurological, behavioral, sensory, feeding, gastrointestinal, and immunological issues. This manuscript discusses how these can be explained by disruption of the gut-blood and blood-brain barriers due to microbiome dysbiosis which then results in chronic endotoxemia leading to chronic cycle of gut-brain inflammation via mast cell and microglial activation. We present how various environmental, pathogenic and stress factors can disrupt the gut-brain homeostasis to create susceptibility and epigenetic effects contributing to the development of ASD. We also offer a safe, simple, and effective treatment approach to addressing some of the key pathogenetic underpinnings of ASD.