Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have made an exciting discovery that may help explain how some brain disorders, like autism and schizophrenia, develop in children. Their research shows that inflammation during early childhood could affect the growth of certain brain cells, possibly leading to these conditions later in life.
Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that affect how the brain grows and works. These disorders usually begin in childhood and can last a lifetime. They may cause problems with communication, learning, behavior, and emotions.
Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are common examples. Although scientists have studied these conditions for years, they still don’t fully understand what causes them.
The human brain is complex and develops over a long period—from before birth through teenage years. One key area of the brain is called the cerebellum.
This part helps control balance and movement, like walking or writing, but it also plays a role in how we think, feel, and interact with others. If something goes wrong while the cerebellum is still growing, it could affect brain function for life.
The University of Maryland researchers wanted to find out whether inflammation in young children’s bodies could change how the brain develops. Inflammation is the body’s natural way of fighting off infections or healing injuries. But when it lasts too long or happens too often, it can harm organs, including the brain.
To investigate, the team studied the brains of children who had passed away. Some of these children had died from illnesses that caused inflammation, like infections or asthma. Others had died in accidents and didn’t show signs of inflammation.
By using advanced tools that allow them to study individual brain cells, the researchers focused on the cerebellum to see if it developed differently in the two groups.
They discovered that two important types of brain cells—called Golgi neurons and Purkinje neurons—were not developing normally in children who had experienced inflammation. These cells are key players in how the cerebellum communicates with the rest of the brain.
Golgi neurons help manage signals within the cerebellum, making sure everything works smoothly. Purkinje neurons, on the other hand, connect the cerebellum with other brain regions and help control thinking, emotions, and behavior. When these neurons don’t grow properly, the brain can’t function as it should.
This research suggests that inflammation early in life may stop these cells from maturing, which might raise the risk of brain disorders like autism or schizophrenia. That means infections or other sources of inflammation in young children could affect their brain development in ways we didn’t realize before.
Understanding this connection is important. It could help doctors and scientists find new ways to prevent or reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
For example, treatments could be developed to protect the brain during or after serious infections. Families might also be able to take steps to reduce inflammation through better healthcare, nutrition, or stress management during early childhood.
Even though this study is a big step forward, the brain is still full of mysteries. Scientists around the world continue to explore how it grows and how problems begin. This research brings us one step closer to better treatments and possibly even prevention for conditions that affect millions of children and their families.
The findings from this important study were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. They offer new hope for understanding and improving brain health in the earliest and most important years of life.
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