Antibiotics: taking it in the first few years of life could have this serious and unexpected consequence on brain development

A new study claims that antibiotics taken early in life could affect the onset of brain disorders

Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous

Taking antibiotics early in life could lead to brain disorders. To support this thesis, still to be explored, is a new study conducted by a team of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine of Rutgers in New Jersey (USA).

What are the consequences of taking antibiotics in utero or after birth? A study conducted in the United States focused in particular on the possible effects of these drugs on brain development which, according to the results obtained, could be negatively influenced leading to disorders in late childhood. 

The research, published in the journal iScience, suggests that penicillin alters the microbiome as well as gene expression in key areas of the developing brain. Following the results obtained, the authors believe that exposure to antibiotics in the first years of life could alter the development of the human brain in the areas responsible for cognitive and emotional functions.

Penicillin and related medicines (such as ampicillin and amoxicillin) are the most widely used antibiotics in children around the world. And, on average, every child in the United States takes nearly three courses of antibiotics before age 2.

Of course, the usefulness of these drugs is not questioned, but the results suggest reducing the widespread use of antibiotics or using alternatives whenever possible to prevent neurodevelopmental problems.

As the study's lead author Martin Blaser, director of Rutgers' Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine said:

This study is preliminary, but shows a correlation between the alteration in the microbiome and changes in the brain that should be further explored. 

A growing body of evidence links what happens in the intestinal tract to changes in the brain, in what is now scientifically known as "gut-brain axis". If this path is disturbed it can lead to a permanent alteration of the structure and function of the brain, which could lead to neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders in late childhood or adulthood.

As Dr. Blaser pointed out:

Early childhood is a critical period for neurodevelopment. In recent decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder, and learning difficulties. Although increased awareness and diagnosis are likely contributing factors, disruptions in brain gene expression early in development may also be responsible.

However, we specify that this is a study conducted on animals and therefore it is more important than ever to investigate the possible relationship between the effects of antibiotics and brain development in early childhood on humans.

Follow us on Telegram | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube

Fonti: iScience / Sci Tech Daily

Read also:

• Antibiotics in infants increase the risk of developing asthma and allergies
• The antibiotic resistance pandemic is causing more and more Bangladeshi children to die of pneumonia
• Microbiota of newborns: this is what reduces the intestinal flora in the first year of life