Image Source: Flickr
Researchers have found that childhood acute inflammation may shape the brain's regions tied to autism. The finding is an important step forward in understanding how immune cells called lymphocytes operate in the brain to cause disease. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that patrol the body and fight infection. They play a critical role in orchestrating responses to pathogens or attack sites within the body. In doing so, they secrete proteins known as cytokines, which signal other immune cells and tell them when to leave or stay. New research published online ahead of print in the journal Brain shows that inflammation may change the structure and functioning of brain regions involved in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The findings support previous research linking abnormal lymphocyte function with ASD, which implicates both chronic as well as acute T cell responses to pathogens. Use BetterHelp Promo Code to avail price benefits, if any. .
Inflammation may alter the structure of brain regions involved in ASD
Researchers at the Translational Genomics Institute and New York University used a new method to investigate the effects of chronic inflammation on the brain. This approach combines structural MRI with advanced computer algorithms to create a detailed map of brain volumes and their relationships to each other. The researchers then tested how inflammation impacts the structure of brain regions involved in ASD risk. They found that inflammation reduced the size of a brain region called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The ACC is important in processing social information and other individuals’ actions. Schizophrenia Test can help to give some relief.
T Cell Function May Be Important in ASD Risk
The researchers also found that chronic inflammation was linked to abnormal function in one particular type of immune cell called a T cell. This cell is one of two types that respond to pathogens as well as self-proteins. This type of cell is thought to play an important role in ASD risk, as it has been seen in the brains of individuals with ASD and in animal models of the disorder. The researchers found that the abnormal function of these cells may be linked to ASD risk. Chronic inflammation was linked to an increase in specific proteins in the T cell that process information about pathogens.
Excessive T Cell Function May Cause ASD
It is also possible that chronic inflammation may lead to excessive T cell function, which could cause ASD risk. The researchers found that chronic inflammation was linked to an increased expression of proteins associated with T cell activity that is linked to ASD risk.
Lymphocyte Sensitivity to Cytokine Signaling May Cause ASD
Finally, the researchers explored how immune system cytokines may contribute to ASD risk. They found that one of the cytokines, lymphocyte sensitization to cytokine signaling, may be linked to ASD risk. This cytokine is important in the functioning of lymphocytes, and it is linked to an increased sensitivity to cytokines in individuals with chronic inflammation.
Conclusion
As inflammation continues to become a more common component of both chronic and acute conditions, researchers will need to understand how it impacts the brain. In particular, researchers will need to understand how chronic inflammation may change brain structure as well as how this may affect function in order to prevent or treat diseases. New research published online ahead of print in the journal Brain shows that inflammation may change the structure of brain regions involved in ASD. The findings support previous research linking abnormal lymphocyte function with ASD, which implicates both chronic as well as acute T cell responses to pathogens. New research published online ahead of print in the journal Brain shows that inflammation may alter the structure of brain regions involved in ASD. The finding supports previous research linking abnormal lymphocyte function with ASD, which implicates both chronic as well as acute T cell responses to pathogens. New research published online ahead of print in the journal Brain shows that T Cell Function May Be Important in ASD Risk. Chronic inflammation was linked to an increase in specific proteins in the T cell that process information about pathogens. New research published online ahead of print in the journal Brain shows that Excessive T Cell Function May Cause ASD. The researchers found that chronic inflammation was linked to an increased expression of proteins associated with T cell activity that is linked to ASD risk. New research published online ahead of print in the journal Brain shows that Lymphocyte Sensitivity to Cytokine Signaling May Cause ASD. This cytokine is important in the functioning of lymphocytes, and it is linked to an increased sensitivity to cytokines in individuals with chronic inflammation.