Multiomics analysis reveals the exacerbating effect of constipation on autism-related symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder

This study investigated the relationship between constipation and autism-related symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were assessed for gastrointestinal (GI) and autism-related symptoms and classified into constipated and non-constipated groups. The relationship was further explored via 16S rRNA sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics to identify underlying mechanisms. Results revealed that constipated ASD children exhibited more severe autism-related symptoms and alterations in four bacterial taxa-the phylum Bacteroidetes, the family Barnesiellaceae, and the genera Alistipes and Bilophila-plus 451 metabolites compared to non-constipated ASD children. Among the altered bacterial taxa, three-Bacteroidetes, Alistipes, and Bilophila-exacerbated the relationship between constipation and autism-related symptoms. Five metabolites derived from the above three taxa-chenodeoxycholic acid, palmitic acid, glutaric acid, arachidonic acid, and choline-were significantly associated with autism-related symptoms. Our multi-omics analysis reveals the exacerbating effect of constipation on autism-related symptoms in children with ASD.