The role of the psychobiotic Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 in the modulation of autism spectrum symptoms Review article
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Abstract
In recent years, we have observed a growing interest in the relationship between gut microbiota and the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as the role of the gut-brain axis in integrating neural, hormonal, immune, and metabolic signals. This interest has translated into a growing number of publications confirming the beneficial effects of psychobiotics in the treatment of mental disorders. While previous studies focused on patients with mood disorders, recently published research confirms that psychobiotics can also support the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including the pediatric population. Scientific evidence indicates that the Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 strain, in particular, can alleviate symptoms associated with disruptive and rule-breaking behaviors and have a beneficial effect on hyperactivity and impulsivity, symptoms that have the most disruptive impact on the functioning of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. What is particularly important, these effects seem to be more significant in the population of younger children, for whom we are still looking for an effective model of early therapeutic and pharmacological intervention that would give the greatest chance of correcting disorders of social interactions, communication, stereotyped patterns of behavior and activity.
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References
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