MICROBIAL CONSORTIUM AND OXYTOCINE IN THE SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Aim. To assess the structure of the intestinal microbial consortium and the level of oxytocin in blood plasma in the context of severe social insufficiency in children with autism spectrum disorders. Materials and methods. 44 children with autism spectrum disorders were divided into two groups: 23 children with no signs of social contact and 21 people with preserved social contact. The comparison group was consisted of 39 typically developing children of the appropriate gender and age. The structure and quantity of microorganisms of the small intestine was determined with the help of specific lipid markers in peripheral blood by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of microbial markers. The concentration of oxytocin was assessed in plasma by the method of ELISA. Results. Normally, the biochemical signals of the ecological system (the host-associated microbial consortium and the neuropeptide-oxytocin) work in the general context of the socialization of the meta-organism. However, an imbalance of the system (disease - autism spectrum disorders) can lead to change context and social insufficiency. Conclusion. Research in this direction will help, as we believe, to understand of the mechanisms underlying social deficits in autism, which will allow us to determine the ways of their correction.

small intestine microbiota, oxytocin, autistic spectrum disorders, social contact