Mikrobiotan oinarritutako esku-hartzeek autismoaren espektroko nahasmenduan duten eragina: oxitozina eta portaera sozialaren berrikuspen sistematikoa

Abstract

The microbiota–gut–brain axis has gained significant importance in recent years for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to examine whether microbiota-modifying interventions (probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants) improve oxytocin levels and social symptoms in individuals or animals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This review follows the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Accordingly, the final search for studies was conducted in April 2025 in the PubMed, Web of Science, APA PsycInfo, and Scopus databases. After the searches, the following criteria were used to select studies: having a sample with ASD, using microbiota-based interventions, and measuring oxytocin levels and/or social symptoms. Based on these criteria, a total of 11 articles (with 12 studies) conducted in animals or humans were selected. In animal studies, probiotics were found to improve oxytocin levels and social behavior, particularly attention. However, in humans, heterogeneous results were observed: in general, no improvement in oxytocin levels was found, and social behavior improved only in some cases. Probiotic interventions have shown therapeutic potential in animals. However, in humans, no clear conclusions can be drawn. In future research, it will be essential to consider the homogeneity of measurement tools, sample size, and sex-related differences in order to identify effective treatments that improve the quality of life of patients with ASD.