The enteric metabolite, propionic acid, impairs social behavior and increases anxiety in a rodent ASD model: Examining sex differences and the influence of the estrous cycle.

Research suggests that certain gut and dietary factors may worsen behavioral features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Treatment with propionic acid (PPA) has been found to create both brain and behavioral responses in rats that are characteristic of ASD in humans. A consistent male bias in human ASD prevalence has been observed, and several sex-differential genetic and hormonal factors have been suggested to contribute to this bias.