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gut-brain axis

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 30, 2019·5 min read

Gut bacteria influence autism-like behaviors in mice

Using germ-free mouse models, researchers transplanted fecal bacteria from children on the autism spectrum and neurotypical children. Mice who received the transplants from the ASD cohort began to exhibit autism-like behaviors, whereas the mice who received transplants from typically developing children did not. Additionally, the mice showed altered gene expression in their brains and differences in types of metabolites present. In particular, the ASD mice had lower levels of 5AV and taurine. Findings suggest gut microbiota regulates autism-like behaviors via the production of neuroactive metabolites, providing further evidence for the gut-brain axis connection to the pathology of autism.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 30, 2019·5 min read

Research confirms gut-brain connection in autism

Genetic mutations, which occur in both the brain and gut, could be a main cause of autism. Using mouse models of ASD, researchers discovered the neuroligin-3 R451C mutation affects neural communication in the brain and causes dysfunction in the gut. The findings strengthen the gut-brain hypothesis of autism.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 23, 2019·3 min read

Bacteria in fermented food signal the human immune system, explaining health benefits

A metabolite produced by lactic acid bacteria binds to the third hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor (HCA), signalling the immune system. Researchers believe the receptor evolved to allow great apes to consume foods that were starting to decay. They suggest the receptor could mediate some beneficial and anti-inflammatory effects of lactic acid in humans, and could serve as a target to treat inflammatory diseases.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 21, 2019·5 min read

Like A Lot of Things, Women’s Gut Microbiomes Appear to Mature Earlier than Men’s

Young women have higher gut bacteria diversity than males, study reports.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 14, 2019·4 min read

How stressed-out gut bacteria may trigger autoimmune response

Chronic social stress in mice induces the expression of virulent genes in the gut microbiota. The altered microbiota increases the presence of effector T helper cells in the lymph nodes and induces myelin autoreactive cells. Exposure to chronic stress, therefore, may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases for some individuals with a susceptibility.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 10, 2019·4 min read

Inflamed monkey guts produce Parkinson’s-related proteins

Inflammation of the colon is associated with alterations in alpha-synuclein expression and phosphorylation in the myenteric plexus of common marmoset monkeys. The findings support the growing body of evidence that inflammation may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease.

This is a diagram of the intestinal tract with the appendix labeled

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 9, 2019·2 min read

Appendix removal associated with development of Parkinson’s disease

Using data collected from 62.2 million Parkinson's patients, researchers discover a relationship between appendectomies and an increased risk of developing the disease. According to the analysis, patients who had their appendix removed were more than three times as likely to develop Parkinson's than those who had not.

This shows a person holding his tummy as if in pain

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2019·7 min read

Study explains why a moody gut often accompanies depression

Mice with a genetic mutation linked to severe depression had impaired ability for neurons in the gut and brain to create serotonin. The reduction of serotonin in the gut led to a deterioration in the gut's lining, slowing the movement of contents through the GI tract and resulting in constipation. However, treatment with 5-HTP increased neurogenesis in the gut, restoring normal function.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2019·5 min read

Transplanting gut bacteria alters depression-related behavior, brain inflammation in rats

The gut microbiome contributes to depression-like behaviors and inflammation in the ventral hippocampus, according to a new rat study. Fecal transplants from rats with lower levels of Clostridia reduced depressive behaviors and inflammation in vulnerable rodents.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 16, 2019·3 min read

Researchers discover crucial link between brain and gut stem cells

The insulin-like growth factor II gene plays a critical role in adult stem cell maintenance of both the intestine and the brain. Findings suggest IGF-2 is essential for multiple stem cell types, including those implicated in cognitive function and renewing the lining of the small intestine.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 9, 2019·10 min read

Autism symptoms reduced nearly 50% two years after fecal transplant

Arizona State University researchers claim microbiota transfer therapy reduces symptoms associated with autism and gastrointestinal problems for two years post-treatment. The study suggests MTT may be a promising option for helping to treat children with ASD who also have GI problems. The researchers stress further research, including double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials with a larger cohort be carried out.

this is the chemical structure of cortisol

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 3, 2019·4 min read

Stress in childhood and adulthood have combined impact on hormones and health

Stressed adults who report high-stress exposure as children have altered cortisol levels associated with negative health outcomes. Findings suggest early life stress may calibrate the stress response system in the brain, with health consequences that last into adulthood.