Serotonergic Dynamics in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Unraveling the Intricate Connection

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) constitutes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication skills, social interactions, and stereotypes of behavior, with an estimated frequency of 1.2% of children throughout the world. The lack of specific treatments or molecular biomarkers underscores the complexities of ASD as a nonunified clinical entity. Comorbid medical conditions are particularly associated with gastrointestinal issues that may suggest potential interactions between the brain and gut. This review suggests that serotonin plays a significant role in the enteric and central nervous systems in relation to ASD. The modulatory role of serotonin in the enteric nervous system is examined in relation to the pathophysiology of ASD in order to shed light on prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could increase the precision of diagnosis and treatment.