Probiotic therapy relieves autism symptoms in mice

Researchers are investigating a potentially transformative new therapy for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders by using the co-occurrence of brain and gut problems in Autism spectrum disorde

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 8, 2014 10:20 am

Researchers are investigating a potentially transformative new therapy for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders by using the co-occurrence of brain and gut problems in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as their guide.

The study by the scientists at California Institute Technology (Caltech) is the first to demonstrate that changes in the gut bacteria, the community of bacteria that populate the human GI tract, can influence autism-like behaviors in a mouse model. (Read: Ten things your student with autism wishes you knew)

To study this gut–microbiota–brain interaction, the researchers used a mouse model of autism previously developed at Caltech in the laboratory of Paul H. Patterson, the Anne P. and Benjamin F. Biaggini Professor of Biological Sciences.

In the new Cell study, Sarkis K. Mazmanian, Patterson, and their colleagues found that the ‘autistic’ offspring of immune-activated pregnant mice also exhibited GI abnormalities.

In particular, the GI tracts of autistic-like mice were ‘leaky,’ which means that they allow material to pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.

To see whether these GI symptoms actually influenced the autism-like behaviors, the researchers treated the mice with Bacteroides fragilis, a bacterium that has been used as an experimental probiotic therapy in animal models of GI disorders.

In addition, observations of the treated mice showed that their behavior had changed. In particular, they were more likely to communicate with other mice, had reduced anxiety, and were less likely to engage in a repetitive digging behavior.

‘The B. fragilis treatment alleviates GI problems in the mouse model and also improves some of the main behavioral symptoms,’ Hsiao said. ‘This suggests that GI problems could contribute to particular symptoms in neurodevelopmental disorders.’ (Read: Could probiotics lower allergy risk in babies?)

The study was published in the journal Cell.

What is probiotics?

The term probiotics refer to live ‘friendly’ bacteria that may be beneficial to its host. They are the antithesis of antibiotics which are derived from bacteria to slow down or destroy other microorganisms and fight bacterial infections and form the basis for most modern medicinal treatments. Probiotics on the other hand are balancing agents for non-friendly, pathogenic, gut bacteria and tries to undo their damage. When there aren’t enough probiotics in the system it can lead to digestive problems, headaches and other issues. Foods that are rich in probiotic bacteria include yoghurt, curd, fermented tea, milk, dark chocolates and olives.

What is autism?

Autism is a severe form of neuro-developmental disorder where a child has problems in communication, socialization and has various behavioural problems in the form of repetitive behaviour, restricted play interests and sometimes very unusual interests. (Read more..)

With inputs from ANI

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Published : December 7, 2013 10:12 am | Updated:October 8, 2014 10:20 am

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