Scientists have identified a probiotic in dairy fermentation that may help alleviate and reverse some autism symptoms.
Currently patients can only use antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants and anti-anxiety medications for treatments, but the new study suggests a natural method could just as effective.
The discovery was made using genetically modified mice that were prone to autism-like symptoms.
When modified, the mice exhibited symptoms of the disorder like a reduced interest in social interactions and an imbalance in the key neurotransmitters crucial for functions like learning, memory and cognitive processes.
Researchers gave the animals a daily dose of the probiotic Lactobacillus murinus (a type of bacteria commonly found in dairy products like cheese and yogurt) for one month.
Following the experiment, the mice’s brains became more flexible and adaptable, which helped them learn and remember things better.
The treatment also led to recovery of the intestines and other genes that are impacted by the disorder.
Around one in 36 children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the US, according to the CDC’s most recent estimate.
What causes the disorder is unknown. Research has pointed to growing pollution and chemical contamination in food and water may allow toxins to infiltrate the bloodstream of pregnant mothers and travel to the brain of the developing fetus, causing inflammation that impairs nerve signals that lead to autism.
Most children cannot be diagnosed until at least four years old and the current treatments include behavioral and speech therapies.
But the Chinese scientists may have uncovered a treatment in common foods that could complement behavioral interventions with minimal side effects, they said.
The study used 34 mice that had 13 pairs from their CHD8 gene removed, which disrupted protein production, South China Morning Post reported.
The mice then began to show autism-like behaviors, including anxiety, problems with socializing and memory.
Other research has found that gut bacteria can impact brain functions through the gut-brain axis, the complex network of communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.
That led the team to test if Lactobacillus murinus could be a treatment for autism.
The probiotic is known for its anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial actions. It has also been found to ease depression.
The mice were given Lactobacillus murinus over the course of 30 days, allowing researchers to monitor their behavior and internal progress.
Not only did their social behaviors reverse, but the intestine started to return to normal.
A 2022 study conducted at China’s Zhujiang Hospital found underdeveloped intestines could be a significant factor in driving autism-related gut microbiota and behavioral issues.
The new research also found the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the brain’s cortex showed a trend toward recovery.
This balance of neural activity in the brain involves excitation and inhibition and is a key factor in how the brain processes information and generates oscillatory activity.
Individuals with autism often have lower levels of dopamine D2 receptors, a protein that helps regulate movement, learning, memory, reward and attention.
But following the probiotic treatment, researchers observed a burst in levels that suggested the cells were recovering.
Several brain pathways related to behavior, synapse organization and inflammation also improved.
The team looked a genes that were rescued by the treatment, finding a large amount occurred in astrocytes that regulate things like neurotransmitters and metabolism.
While excitatory neurons held the largest proportion of recovery. These are involved in the transmission of signals in the brain.
The researchers said the findings show that Lactobacillus murinus ‘[improves ASD-related social behavior deficits through bacteria-gut-brain communication.’
‘Our findings align with and extend previous research, which has shown that Lactobacillus murinu rescues behavioral deficits.’