Is Propionic acid a suitable model for autism?

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as different degrees of disability in social interaction, stereotyped behavior, and altered motor and sensory perception. Many scientific research is concerned with making and developing animal models of autism to figure out the appropriate correlation between behavioral changes and the pathology of brain tissue to help in clinical trials of effective therapeutic formulations. Propionic acid can be present inside the cells as a metabolite in a normal state and is found in high amounts in gut due to some digestive disorders or alteration in gut microbiota. Moreover, it is considered an artificial food additive. Lately, propionic acid has become a controversy model. This review assessment demonstrates a complete picture and all the available information is needed to be known about the mechanism of action of the induced autistic model. It discusses the different methods, explains the pathophysiology, and various treatment modalities were tried in the propionic induced animal model. It also enlists the developmental and behavioral aspects of the model animals.