Uso de whey protein para tratar disbiose de ratos wistar com sintomas de autismo induzidos por ácido valproico

Abstract

A great number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a disproportionate gut microbiota composition which may worsen behavioral outcomes. Whey protein supplementation is associated with gut barrier regeneration and microbiota recovery, which might interfere in the neurodevelopment. Valproic acid (VPA) is a teratogenic drug capable of promoting 'autistic' features and dysbiosis. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the benefits of whey protein supplementation (1.24 mg/g - 24 days) in rats treated with VPA (400 mg/kg - single dose) regarding behavioral outcomes and dysbiosis. Young Wistar rats 14 days old were used (42 males and 35 females) and divided into four groups: control, ASD, whey protein with ASD and whey protein. At the end of the treatment, the pups were evaluated in the open field, social interaction, Y-maze, and marble burying tests, subsequently, the blood and the large intestine containing faeces were collected for analysis. Euthanasia was performed by anesthesia followed by exsanguination. The results showed that protein supplementation did not reverse weight loss, the decrease of plasma proteins, uric acid, HDL- c, and indirect bilirubin, along with blood alterations caused by VPA (p > 0.05). However, the supplement increased bacteria diversity and number of colonies in the animals’ faeces (p < 0.05), it also influenced microbiota composition, since bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum were found, predominantly, in the supplemented groups. In addition, improved the animal’s memory, as increased the percentage of arms alternation and decreased the return to the same arm, male and female, respectively. Whey protein was also able to decrease the time that the animal spent in the ‘alone chamber’, partially improving sociability (p < 0.05). Thus, whey protein treatment (1.24 mg/g - 24 days) positively influenced the gut microbiota, along with the animal’s sociability and memory.