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Autism can be prevented
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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In the new study, experts found that between the immune response of the mother to viral infections in the female mouse and the development of autism in her pups there is a connection. Autism was first described in 1943, but until today the disease remains a mystery to scientists. In the US, this disease affects 1 in 68 children, but the exact causes of the development of autism are not known.
A new study allowed a new look at the immune response. In the course of the work, scientists have identified certain immune cells that cause some actions associated with the development of autism.
The research team of Dr. Dan Litman studied a specific immune response that occurs when a virus enters the body. The researchers focused on the Th17 molecule, which releases cytokines (signal proteins), which enhances the immune response in response to the presence of microbes in the body. In the event that the level of cytokines becomes too high, autoimmune diseases occur in the body when immunity starts to work against one's own organism. Th17 can cause rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, according to scientists, this may be the reason for the development of autism.
In their experiments, scientists managed to establish that the activation of production of cytoxins is extremely important in the development of behavioral abnormalities in the embryo.
In the course of the work, the specialists found out that in rodents who had elevated the level of cytokines during pregnancy, the young ones subsequently showed signs of autism (small mice could not distinguish living mice from toy animals). Autopsy revealed that the mouse in the brain had a clear sign of the disease - decentralized areas responsible for sound and tactile sensations.
Further, experts decided to block the production of cytokines in pregnant females, which resulted in no signs of disease in newborn mice. This fact clearly indicates that cytokines play an important role in the development of autism, but a more detailed study is needed to establish the exact mechanisms of the development of the disease. Scientists hope that the normal structure of the brain in children can be restored by blocking dangerous cells, thereby reducing the risk of developing autism.
Autism is a disorder that occurs when the brain is not properly developed, the disease is characterized by a pronounced lack of social interaction, communication, autistic people often repeat the same action, have limited interests.
The disease usually occurs within the first three years of a child's life, and is considered extremely difficult, since it is characterized by all sorts of mutations. Autists do not go into contact with other people, most often children with this pathology lag behind in development, but not always physiological abnormalities are noted. Until recently, the causes of the development of autism remained unclear, patients had abnormalities in various parts of the brain, but a new study suggests that scientists will find a way to treat this pathology.
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