Diet-associated epigenetic modulation of phenotypes relevant to autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study explores the role of dietary factors as an environmental influence in ASD pathogenesis and phenotype. Maternal high-fat diet-induced obesity prior to conception, but not during gestation, is associated with ASD-like behavioral symptoms and transcriptomic alterations in offspring. Additionally, adherence to a modified ketogenic diet in children with ASD leads to improvements in behavior and increases in gut microbiome diversity. Mechanistic investigations suggest a potential link between dietary interventions, gut microbiota, and epigenetic modifications, highlighting the dynamic interplay between diet and ASD phenotype. These findings contribute to our understanding of environmental influences on ASD and offer insights for future therapeutic strategies targeting dietary interventions.