Recent scientific research has uncovered a probiotic present in fermented dairy products that could potentially aid in reducing and even reversing certain symptoms associated with autism.

At present, treatment options for autism primarily include antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants, and anti-anxiety medications. However, this new study proposes that a natural alternative may be just as effective.

The findings were derived from experiments conducted on genetically modified mice predisposed to autism-like behaviors.

These modified mice showed characteristics of the disorder such as decreased social engagement and neurotransmitter imbalances essential for learning, memory, and cognitive tasks.

Researchers administered a daily dose of Lactobacillus murinus, a strain of bacteria commonly found in dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, to the mice for a month.

Post-treatment observations indicated that the mice exhibited greater brain flexibility and adaptability, enhancing their learning and memory capabilities.

Additionally, there were improvements noted in the health of the intestines and recovery of specific genes affected by the disorder.

Innovative autism treatment identified, reversing antisocial behaviors and repairing intestinal health in mice

In the United States, the CDC’s latest statistics indicate that approximately one in 36 children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The exact origins of autism remain unclear, but studies hint that increasing pollution and chemical contaminants in food and water may enable toxins to reach pregnant mothers’ bloodstream, ultimately affecting the fetal brain and contributing to inflammation that disrupts neural signals critical to autism development.

Most children cannot receive a formal diagnosis until they reach at least four years of age, and behavioral and speech therapies currently represent the standard treatment options.

However, Chinese scientists may have identified a dietary intervention that could enhance behavioral therapy outcomes with minimal side effects.

The study involved 34 mice, engineered to lack 13 pairs of their CHD8 gene, disrupting protein synthesis and leading to autism-like behaviors such as anxiety and socialization difficulties.

Previous research indicates that gut microbiota may influence brain function via the gut-brain axis, a communication network between the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system.

This prompted the team to explore the potential of Lactobacillus murinus as a therapeutic agent for autism.

Lactobacillus murinus identified as a potential new treatment for autism

This probiotic is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and has previously been shown to alleviate depressive symptoms.

The mice were treated with Lactobacillus murinus over a 30-day period, during which researchers tracked their behavioral changes and internal health.

Results showed not only a reversal in social behaviors but also a restoration of intestinal health.

A 2022 study at Zhujiang Hospital in China highlighted that underdeveloped intestines might significantly influence autism-related gut microbiota and behavioral problems.

Moreover, the recent research indicated an improvement in the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the cerebral cortex.

This neural balance is crucial for processing information and regulating oscillatory brain activity.

Individuals with autism frequently exhibit lower levels of dopamine D2 receptors, proteins fundamental for movement, learning, memory, and attention.

Post-probiotic treatment, researchers noted a significant increase in these receptors, suggesting cellular recovery.

Moreover, several brain pathways associated with behavior, synapse organization, and inflammation showed marked improvement.

The research team analyzed genes positively impacted by the treatment, discovering extensive activity in astrocytes, which manage neurotransmitter levels and metabolic processes.

Conversely, excitatory neurons accounted for the largest proportion of the recovery noted.

The researchers concluded that Lactobacillus murinus enhances social behavior deficits related to ASD through microbiota-gut-brain interactions.

‘Our research extends previous findings that demonstrated Lactobacillus murinus can effectively address behavioral challenges,’ they emphasized.