Study Suggests Gut Health of Mum Is Linked To Autism Risk

A new research from the University Of Virginia School Of Medicine suggests that a mother's microbiome - microorganisms that naturally live inside the gut - has a crucial role in determining the autisms risk of the unborn child. The research has paved the possibility of reducing the risk of autism by changing the diet of an expectant mom or recommending some custom probiotics. Not only were the researchers able to make the discovery, they were able to prevent the development of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism in lab mice. The work showed that the development could be stopped by halting an inflammatory molecule that is created by the immune system. Targeting this molecule is another way to prevent the development of autism.

Work of John Lukens, lead researcher of the study and PhD of UVA's Department of Neuroscience and his colleagues shed light on the complex relationship between the healthy development of the fetus and health of mother's microbiome. He explained that microbiome can shape the development of brain in many ways. The microbiome plays a central role in how the offspring's immune system will respond to any injury, infection or stress.

Next, Luken and his team will explore the role of other immune molecules with development of autism or any other conditions.

By: Neha Maheshwari

Content: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180718113343.htm