Blood Pressure Medication Shows Promise in Easing Gut Issues for Some Individuals with Autism

Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring innovative ways to improve the gut health of individuals with autism by repurposing existing medications. A recent pilot study indicates that propranolol, a common medication used to manage high blood pressure, may also alleviate gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea prevalent among many autistic individuals.

Autistic individuals often experience significant digestive difficulties at higher rates than the general population. These challenges are linked to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. To address this, the Mizzou team examined whether propranolol could serve a dual purpose—reducing anxiety and improving digestive health.

In 2023, Brad Ferguson, an assistant research professor at the School of Medicine, co-authored a study demonstrating the potential of propranolol in mitigating anxiety in people with autism. Building on this, Ferguson led a new study involving 46 participants receiving care at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. The results revealed that autistic teens and young adults exhibiting higher heart rate variability—an indicator of a calmer nervous system—experienced more significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms after 12 weeks of propranolol treatment, compared to those with more stressed nervous systems.

The findings suggest that the effectiveness of propranolol may depend on the individual's nervous system state. Ferguson emphasizes the goal of precision medicine: identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from specific treatments. Future research involves partnering with Fang Wang from the College of Engineering to develop a smartwatch app that monitors stress levels and social interactions in autistic individuals with and without gastrointestinal issues.

Ferguson highlights the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration at Mizzou and the advanced facilities supporting this research. The study, titled "Pilot Trial on the Effects of Propranolol on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Heart Rate Variability as a Treatment Response Biomarker," was published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.

This research offers hope for new, targeted approaches to managing gastrointestinal symptoms in autism, potentially enhancing quality of life for many affected individuals.