May 06, 2024
- A recent review article has underscored the nuanced impact of antibiotics on medical care. The authors highlight the pivotal role of early antibiotic use in reducing fatalities from infectious diseases, juxtaposed with the concerning trend of overuse leading to microbial resistance and potential harm to mental health. They cite studies linking antibiotic misuse to various conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The authors emphasize the significance of antibiotics’ pharmacokinetics, such as absorption and distribution, in determining their impact on overall health. Although antibiotics may alleviate certain neuropsychiatric symptoms, their prolonged or indiscriminate use risks disrupting gut microbiota diversity, exacerbating mental health issues. They advocate for cautious antibiotic prescribing practices and robust research to balance potential benefits with risks to mental health and microbiome stability.
- New research has examined the association between maternal migration background and traits of autism in children from early pregnancy to middle childhood. Findings revealed that children of mothers who have moved from one country to another exhibited higher levels of autistic traits, with prenatal stress playing a significant mediating role. Specifically, stress indicators such as perceived discrimination and maternal psychopathology contributed substantially to this association. These results align with previous research indicating a higher risk of autism among children of migrant parents, particularly in non-clinical samples. This study underscores the importance of considering cultural and societal factors in understanding the prevalence of autistic traits across diverse populations. Additionally, it highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing prenatal stress and providing culturally appropriate healthcare to migrant mothers, ultimately contributing to the well-being of both mothers and children.
- A federal grant has been awarded to UC David MIND Institute researchers Alex Nord and Diasynou Fioravante that will enable the team to delve into how an autism-linked gene called Chd8 impacts the cerebellum’s function and drives autism-like behaviors. This upcoming study builds upon surprising findings that autism-associated genes regulate not only synaptic communication but also play roles in DNA regulation within the cell nucleus. It also challenges previous assumptions that autism primarily stems from changes in the cerebral cortex. Nord and Fioravante’s work aims to uncover the comprehensive functions of the cerebellum beyond movement coordination, potentially leading to new intervention strategies for autism and related conditions like schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- The Autism Research Institute (ARI) has just announced that they are expanding access to their award-winning Autism Research Review International (ARRI) quarterly journal. For almost forty years, the journal has been accessible in both print and, more recently, electronic (PDF) formats. However, in line with the organization’s commitment to making information about autism more accessible, ARI recognized the need for further action. In recent months, the ARI team has diligently worked towards this goal. As Autism Science Month 2024 draws to a close, they are delighted to unveil that the Autism Research Review International is now available online for free at www.ARRIOnline.
