RESEARCHERS at The Chinese University of Hong Kong ( CUHK ) Faculty of Medicine have made significant strides in autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) research . A large cohort study involving 1,627 children has led to the identification of novel gut microbiome biomarkers that could revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of ASD . The findings , published in Nature Microbiology , reveal alterations in the gut microbial species of children with ASD and suggest potential new diagnostic and therapeutic tools .
ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviours . The CUHK study utilised metagenomic sequencing on faecal samples from children aged one to 13 years , both with and without ASD .
Researchers identified a diverse panel of gut microbiome markers , including bacteria , archaea , fungi , and viruses . Using machine learning , they developed a diagnostic model with 31 multi-kingdom and functional markers , achieving a sensitivity of 94 per cent and specificity of 93 per cent .
CUHK Research Assistant Professor Dr Su Qi , highlighting the model ’ s robustness , stated : “ Our study found that the 31-microbiome panel maintained high diagnostic accuracy even in younger children from an
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independent hospital cohort and a community cohort .”
Microbiota I-Center ( MagIC ) Director Professor Siew Ng emphasised the clinical significance of these findings . “ The diagnosis of ASD is challenging , often delayed in younger children with mild symptoms . This study demonstrates the utility of a non-invasive biomarker for diagnosing ASD across different ages and settings .”
In a related pilot study , the CUHK team explored the therapeutic potential of modulating the gut microbiome in children with ASD . They tested a novel synbiotic formula , SCM06 , designed to increase
Y-Aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) levels , a neurotransmitter linked to sensory hypersensitivity and anxiety .
Thirty children aged 4-11 years received SCM06 for 12 weeks , resulting in a 15-20 per cent reduction in sensory and anxiety symptoms
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( From left ) Dr Oscar Wong Wing-ho , Professor Francis KL Chan , Professor Siew Ng and Dr Su Qi .
without serious adverse effects .
CUHK Department of Psychiatry Assistant Professor Dr Oscar Wong Wing-ho noted the encouraging results and suggested that gut microbiome modulation could offer a safe and effective treatment for ASD . “ We plan to conduct a larger randomised controlled study to confirm these findings .”
MagIC Co-Director Professor Francis KL Chan concluded : “ Our studies indicate that faecal microbiome biomarkers are promising tools for non-invasive ASD diagnosis and prediction . Modulating the gut microbiome could emerge as a new treatment modality , offering hope for managing ASD symptoms .”
This groundbreaking research by CUHK ’ s Faculty of Medicine opens new avenues for early diagnosis and treatment of ASD , potentially improving outcomes for children and their families .
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MERCK KGaA , Darmstadt , Germany has awarded Professor Lauren Gardner from Johns Hopkins University the Future Insight
Lauren Gardner . Prize 2024 . The prize , worth € 500,000 , honours Gardner ’ s significant contributions to developing advanced AI systems aimed at rapidly discovering and controlling future pandemics .
Belén Garijo , Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck KGaA , praised Gardner ’ s work during the award ceremony in Mainz , Germany .
“ The exemplary work of Lauren Gardner and her team during the Covid-19 pandemic made a significant public health contribution . With this prize , we hope she can accelerate efforts to create a world better prepared to predict and prevent future pandemics .”
Gardner ’ s team at Johns Hopkins University became renowned during the Covid-19 pandemic for their interactive dashboard , which became the leading data collection and sharing system for tracking Covid-19 health outcomes globally .
The Future Insight Prize will support Gardner in further developing sophisticated public health models and data systems to enhance international pandemic preparedness and response .
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