Dietary fish oil improves autistic behaviors and gut homeostasis by altering the gut microbial composition in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.

Researchers studied whether fish oil supplements could help with autism-like behaviors in fragile X syndrome using laboratory mice. They found that fish oil reduced gut inflammation and changed the balance of gut bacteria in helpful ways. When they transferred gut bacteria from fish oil-treated mice to untreated mice, it improved both gut health and behavioral symptoms. This suggests fish oil might help children with fragile X syndrome by improving their gut health.

This preclinical study investigated whether fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) could improve autism-like behaviors in fragile X syndrome by modifying gut bacteria. Using Fmr1 knockout mice (a fragile X model), researchers found that fish oil reduced intestinal inflammation and increased tight junction proteins in the colon. Fecal microbiota transplantation from fish oil-treated mice to untreated mice increased beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia and Gordonibacter) and improved both gut health and autism-like behaviors. The findings suggest omega-3 fatty acids may benefit fragile X syndrome through gut-brain axis mechanisms, specifically by reducing gut microbiota dysbiosis and improving intestinal barrier function.

Fish oil supplementation may benefit individuals with fragile X syndrome through gut-brain axis mechanisms. However, human trials are needed before clinical recommendations. The gut microbiome represents a potential therapeutic target for fragile X syndrome interventions.

Animal model study limits direct human applicability. Sample size not reported. Unknown study duration. Behavioral measures not specified. No comparison to standard treatments. Mechanism details unclear.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited intellectual disability, caused by a lack of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders frequently experience gastrointestinal problems that are primarily linked to gut microbial dysbiosis, inflammation, and increased intestinal permeability. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are non-pharmacological agents that exert potential therapeutic effects against neurological disorders. However, it is unclear whether omega-3 PUFAs improve autistic behaviors in fragile X syndrome (FXS) by altering the gut microbial composition.

Here, we describe gastrointestinal problems in Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. FMRP deficiency causes intestinal homeostasis dysfunction in mice. Fish oil (FO) as a source of omega-3 PUFAs reduces intestinal inflammation but increases the mRNA and protein levels of TJP3 in the colon of juvenile Fmr1 KO mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation from FO-fed Fmr1 KO mice increased the gut abundance of Akkermansia and Gordonibacter in recipient Fmr1 KO mice and improved gut homeostasis and autistic behaviors.

Our findings demonstrate that omega-3 PUFAs improve autistic behaviors and gut homeostasis in FMRP-deficient mice by suppressing gut microbiota dysbiosis, thereby presenting a novel therapeutic approach for juvenile FXS treatment.