Chandler K.L. Nunokawa

Ms. Chandler K.L. Nunokawa


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
7 May 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NANina P. Allan
Nina P. Allan
BYBrennan Y Yamamoto
Brennan Y Yamamoto
BKBraden P. Kunihiro
Braden P. Kunihiro
CNChandler K.L. Nunokawa
Chandler K.L. Nunokawa
NRNoelle C. Rubas
Noelle C. Rubas
AMAlika K. Maunakea
Alika K. Maunakea
In this interventional pilot study, we investigated the effects of a modified ketogenic diet (KD) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously observed improved behavioral symptoms in this cohort following the KD; this trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02477904). This report details the alterations observed in the microbiota, inflammation markers, and microRNAs of seven children following a KD for a duration of 4 months. Our analysis included blood and stool samples, collected before and after the KD. After 4 months follow up, we found that the KD led to decreased plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12p70 and IL-1b) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Additionally, we observed changes in the gut microbiome, increased expression of butyrate kinase in the gut, and altered levels of BDNF-associated miRNAs in the plasma. These cohort findings suggest that the KD may positively influence ASD sociability, as previously observed, by reducing inflammation, reversing gut microbial dysbiosis, and impacting the BDNF pathway related to brain activity.