Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered that inflammation during childhood might affect the development of certain brain cells.
This new finding could help explain why some children develop neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism or schizophrenia. These conditions can make it harder for people to communicate, interact socially, and manage their emotions.
Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that affect how the brain develops and functions. They usually appear in early childhood and can last throughout a person’s life. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are examples. These disorders often impact a person’s ability to learn, communicate, and relate to others.
The brain is incredibly complex and begins developing during pregnancy, continuing through childhood and adolescence. It consists of billions of tiny cells called neurons, which work together to help us think, move, and feel.
One part of the brain, the cerebellum, plays an important role in movement, coordination, and balance. It also helps with higher-level tasks like language, social skills, and managing emotions.
The researchers wanted to explore how inflammation in early childhood might affect the cerebellum. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or illness, such as infections or asthma. While it helps protect the body, inflammation can also cause damage if it lasts too long or happens at critical times in development.
In the study, scientists examined brain tissue from children who passed away due to inflammatory conditions and compared it to tissue from children who died in accidents. Using advanced techniques, they looked at individual brain cells to see how they were affected.
They found that two types of neurons in the cerebellum—Golgi neurons and Purkinje neurons—did not develop properly in children who experienced early inflammation. These neurons are essential for the brain to function correctly.
Golgi neurons help coordinate signals between other cells in the cerebellum, ensuring smooth communication. Purkinje neurons form connections between the cerebellum and other parts of the brain, which are important for thinking, emotional regulation, and social skills.
When these neurons don’t mature as they should, it can disrupt brain development. This disruption may contribute to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders later in life.
This discovery is significant because it provides new insights into how conditions like autism and schizophrenia might begin. Understanding the link between childhood inflammation and brain development could help researchers find new ways to treat or prevent these disorders.
Neurodevelopmental disorders can be challenging for children and their families. They often require lifelong support, so finding ways to ease symptoms or prevent these conditions altogether would be a big step forward.
Although the brain is incredibly complex, and much remains unknown, discoveries like this one offer hope. Scientists around the world continue to study how the brain develops and functions, working toward better treatments and support for those affected by these disorders.
This research highlights the importance of early health care and managing childhood illnesses to reduce inflammation during critical periods of brain development. While more research is needed, this study offers a clearer picture of how early-life experiences can shape brain health and lifelong outcomes.
The findings were published in Science Translational Medicine.
If you care about autism, please read studies that cats may help decrease anxiety for kids with autism and new study may develop better treatment for autism
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