Research progress on maternal factors influencing the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring from a gut-brain axis perspective

Hao-Bo DING; Chuang LI; Shu-Li WU

doi:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2511143

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (4) : 514-521. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2511143

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Research progress on maternal factors influencing the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring from a gut-brain axis perspective

Hao-Bo DING ¹^,² ,
Chuang LI ¹^,² ,
Shu-Li WU ¹^,²

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core features of social communication deficits and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. Maternal environmental factors during pregnancy are considered important risk factors for ASD in offspring, with mechanisms involving dysbiosis of the maternal and offspring gut microbiota, immune dysregulation, metabolic abnormalities, and neuroinflammation. Specific probiotic interventions show potential during pregnancy and early life to prevent and ameliorate ASD by modulating gut microbiota composition, improving intestinal barrier function, and regulating inflammatory responses and neural signaling pathways. This review systematically summarizes, from a gut-brain axis perspective, the mechanisms by which maternal factors influence ASD risk in offspring and the potential intervention strategies, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and new research directions for the early prevention and intervention of ASD.

Key words

Autism spectrum disorder / Gut-brain axis / Prenatal environment / Probiotic / Neurodevelopment

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Hao-Bo DING , Chuang LI , Shu-Li WU. Research progress on maternal factors influencing the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring from a gut-brain axis perspective[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2026, 28(4): 514-521 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2511143

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