Autism may start in the intestines rather than in the brain.
A new study found that children with autism have [distinctly] Different bacteria in the stomach compared to children without condition.
Researchers say these changes lead to changes in the microbiota, a network of bacteria that regulate digestion and other processes, to changes in parts of the brain that are associated with behavior and learning.
Intrauterine diet and other environmental exposures are associated with changes in the baby’s harmful microbiota.
The team noted that children with autism are more likely to have mothers who used antibiotics during pregnancy, suggesting that drug use may increase the risk of autism.
They compared stool samples and brain scans of children aged 8-17 with autism compared to children normally developed in the same age group.
They discover that children with autism and teens have lower levels of small molecules produced during digestion than neurotyped children, producing the hormone serotonin, which regulates mood with less courage.
Researchers believe these changes in intestinal microbiomes can lead to symptoms of autism Like communication difficulties and behavioral problems.
This so-called “gut brain” connection theory has been proposed for decades as a potential cause of autism, but was thought to have been exposed.
Changes in the gut microbiota may help explain the increase in cases of autism.
However, new research brings that theory to life by looking at stool samples and brain scans at the same time and returning home with a specific set of metabolites.
A team from the University of Southern California said the findings could lead to treatments targeting the gut, but of course hopes to alleviate some of the most unpleasant symptoms [autistic children]’like bloating and constipation.
But they warn that larger and more definitive research is still needed.
“We’ve seen a lot of experience in our brains and creativity,” said Lisa Aziz Zadeh, lead research author and professor at the University of Southern California’s Institute of Brain and Creativity. Essentially, the brain acts as a mediator between gut health and autism-related behavior.
“Previous studies highlighted differences in gut microbiota and brain structure in autism, but our research connects dots.”
The survey finds that one in 36 children in the United States have autism, down 2 million. In the early 2000s, the number approached one in 142, quadrupled.
Experts are working to identify the causes of the rise, raising concerns about environmental factors such as microplastics and pesticides.
They also note that changes in diagnosis made it easier for doctors to spot this condition, especially in once-overlooked groups such as girls and adults.
Research published on Monday Natural Communicationcompared 41 neurotype children and 43 children with autism from a health care clinic in Los Angeles.
All participants were 8-17 years old, with an average age of 12 years.
Approximately half of autistic participants took medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and stimulants for their behavior. None of the neurotypic children took prescription medications.
The researchers asked all children to stay away from antibiotics and probiotics for two weeks, as both drugs could alter the gut microbiota.
This study was conducted over two days. On the first day, the researchers gave the children a behavioural assessment. On day 2, participants brought in stool samples and underwent an MRI scan of the brain.
Parents were asked to report which diets they most closely followed: standard Americans (high consumption of processed foods, lean meat, chicken, eggs, dairy products), modified Americans (whole grains, fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, vegetables, some processed foods), Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegetarian,
Researchers hone the metabolites of participants’ stools following the “tryptophan pathway.”
Typtophan is an amino acid found in turkeys, salmon, eggs and seeds, and is broken down into metabolite serotonin. This is important for brain functions such as emotional processing, social interaction, and learning.
Researchers say that since more than 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, changes in gut health can affect serotonin levels.
Neurons in the intestine send signals to the brain, a phenomenon known as the gut brain axis.
Children in autism studies are likely to have mothers who used antibiotics during pregnancy, which may have caused gut microbiota (stock image).
The team found that children with autism had lower levels of taptophan metabolites and lower levels of serotonin than those with neurotypes.
This leads to a higher rate This leads to gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and constipation, as well as increased changes in brain regions that cause social behavior, and “ASD symptoms.”
Aziz-Zadeh said:
“We know that they often experience gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, stomach pain, and other digestive issues. Furthermore, autism is associated with a variety of symptoms, including repetitive behavior and social difficulties.
In addition to diet, lower tiptophan metabolites can also be caused by antibiotics that disrupt the gut microbiota. The team found that autistic children are more likely mothers who use antibiotics during pregnancy.
The researcher wrote: “Prenatal maternal antibiotic exposure has been shown to affect the maternal microbial flora, which has been shown to play an important role in exposure to changes in maternal microbial metabolites in the fetal brain.
“This prenatal mechanism is hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD.”
However, the researchers warned that “out-of-studies cannot show causality.” This means that it cannot directly indicate that metabolite levels cause autism.
Autism advocacy groups also say the causes of autism are not fully understood, and many experts suggest that there is no specific cause.
The study had several limitations, including not seeing children under the age of 8 and having more boys than girls.
