A study of mice suggests that certain forms of
autism may in fact be sprouting from chemical imbalances within the body. Where
are these imbalances coming from might you ask? Microbes. Recent studies show
that mice with microbes in their gut often have leaks in their intestines,
leaving the microbes to invade their blood. They are obtaining high levels of
chemicals that are similar to compounds found in the urine of children with
autism. These mice are having autistic behavior such as social inclusion and
even lacking verbal communication with others. When given a probiotic, the
bacteria reduced the amount of leakage and did not correct, but improved their
behavior, suggesting this can be done with children as well.
The author’s wording is critical throughout her
writing, as she is very careful to not make specific statements about whether
or not all of this is fully true. She gives the evidence and results found with
the mice, but does not clearly state it as a guarantee. She goes on to explain
that women who suffer from infections or high fever during pregnancy, often
have a greater risk of their child having autism, similarly to mice. However,
once tested, the mother mice that were given infections, often acquired leaks
in their intestines. The author goes into great detail about the kinds of
chemicals found in their gut, giving the reader that much more knowledge about
what’s going on. However her description is well done, she jumps back and forth
between subjects, making it hard to follow. I would say she ended the article
quite well with stating, “Though the study is fascinating and important, much
more research is needed to establish whether people with autism have similar
microbe-related problems” (Saey,
Click to enlarge photo.
Article: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.libproxy.unm.edu/ehost/detail?vid=8&sid=762893eb-275f-4c27-bc68-48cb44d58103%40sessionmgr115&hid=101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT
1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=93453430
Picture: https://asunews.asu.edu/files/gutflorainfographiclarge.jpeg
I found this entry to be particularly interesting due to more research coming out day by day that helps piece together how people obtain these certain diseases such as autism. It also is beginning to show me that there are many more microbes that can harm one's health instead of helping it, and they can very well live inside your own body. Scary thought, but interesting how it all corresponds. It's sad that she jumped back and forth in the article as Rachel stated. I would have loved to learn more about how and why just a microbe imbalance can change everything. Which brings up the question: do microbes really have that much power over us that they can change how we are physically and mentally? Also another question, why just test these theories exclusively on mice, why not test them on some animals closer in relation with us, such as pigs. This way we can see if it effects them too. (I'm sure PETA would have a fit about me suggesting that)
ReplyDeleteNicely written blog! I like Sami's question about why we don't use other animal models. I suspect it's a matter of cost, but I've never heard of using pigs in research--you might want to look and see if they are used.
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