Oral Microecology in Children With Autism

• Research Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder that has become the leading cause of mental disability in children in China. The onset of autism is closely related to genetic factors and environmental factors in early development. In recent years, studies have found that changes in gut microbiota are related to the pathogenesis of ASD.

Salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the main protective antibody in oral mucosal immunity, which, together with the innate immune system, inhibits the adhesion of microorganisms to the mucosa and tooth surface, promotes the elimination of cariogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans. Given the changes in oral health status in ASD patients and the correlation between oral microbiota dysbiosis and mucosal immunity, the level of salivary IgA affected by oral bacteria may vary in ASD subjects.

Oral microbiota may have direct or indirect effects on the brain. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through mucous membranes and tooth roots, break through the blood-brain barrier, and enter the brain; Oral associated bacteria can also promote the elevation of inflammatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid and affect the levels of neurotransmitters involved in learning and memory. There may be a certain connection between oral microbiota and the brain in children with ASD, with a "microbiota mouth brain axis".

• Research objective

• Clarify the changes in IgA content and oral microbiota abundance in children with varying degrees of ASD; ② Clarify the changes in IgA content and oral microbiota abundance between ASD children and normal children groups; ③ Clarify the host's immune response under changes in oral microbiota.

Inclusion criteria

• Clear source: This project is supported by the Affiliated Dental Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine;

• Make sure to collect all patients' age, gender, and basic test information. The age range is 6-18 years old, and there is no restriction on gender; ③ The subjects and/or their families are able to understand the purpose of the trial, are willing to cooperate, and voluntarily or/and with the consent of their families, agree to participate in the trial and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Magnetic resonance imaging detected significant abnormalities in brain structure;

• Severe sensory organ damage (blindness, hearing loss); ③ Having organic gastrointestinal problems;

• Taking antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs within one month;

• Autism and other conditions that have been clearly linked to genetics; ⑥ Obvious abnormalities in oral mucosa; ⑦ Wearing various orthodontic appliances and accessories.