A study identifies a possible link with the development of autism.
In recent years, several studies have shown that the bacteria present in our gut are related to our overall health.
These gut bacteria can influence our mood, how we cope with stress, and our chances of developing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
A new study published in the Journal of Immunology provides further information on the possible relationship between gut bacteria and autism.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), autism encompasses a range of developmental disorders that affect how people interact and communicate with others.
Furthermore, the WHO indicates that people with autism “frequently present with associated conditions, such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as problematic behaviors such as sleep disorders and self-harm.” The intellectual abilities of these individuals vary from person to person.
Research suggests that the maternal microbiome exerts a greater influence on the development of autism than the maternal microbiome.
“The microbiome can shape the developing brain in a variety of ways,” said John Lukens, senior researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, in a statement.
“The microbiome is really important for regulating how the offspring’s immune system will respond to infections, injuries, or stress.”
A key piece of this puzzle could be a molecule produced by the immune system called interleukin-17a, or IL-17a. This molecule is known to play a role in diseases such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as helping to fight fungal infections. But it also appears to influence brain development before birth.
To study this phenomenon, scientists used mice with different types of gut bacteria. One group carried bacteria that induce a strong immune response involving IL-17α, while the other group did not.
When scientists blocked IL-17α in mice, both groups exhibited normal behavior. But as soon as the treatment was stopped and the mice returned to normal, those in the first group began to show signs similar to autism, such as repetitive behaviors.
