Multi-strain Bacillus Probiotics has Advantages in Improving Abnormal Behavior and Intestinal Flora in Rats of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. While many medicines offer therapeutic benefits, they are often associated with adverse side effects. Probiotics, however, present a safer interventional strategy. In this study, we investigated the effects of three probiotic agents: a multi-strain Bacillus formulation, a multi-strain Lactobacillus formulation, and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, in a rat model of ASD. The study included a total of 6 groups: a control group with no treatment, an ASD model group induced by valproate (VPA), and three probiotic intervention groups. The results showed that multi-strain Bacillus probiotics treatment was the most significant in alleviating VPA-induced autism in rats. Multi-strain Bacillus probiotics supplementation exerted a significant effect on stereotypic behaviors in ASD rats. Further studies found that multi-strain Bacillus probiotics alleviated ASD symptoms by reducing gut inflammation, optimizing gut microbiota composition and regulating short-chain fatty acid levels. Overall, the study evidence suggested that multi-strain Bacillus probiotics was the most effective for the treatment of VPA-induced ASD rat model.