A recent study suggests that taking antibiotics in childhood changes the brain in areas responsible for cognitive and emotional functions. penicillin and othersAntibiotics also change the gut microbiome, which contains beneficial microorganisms. These regulate gene expression and how cells react to the changing environment. This enables brain development in key areas. The results show that alternatives to the widespread use of antibiotics could prevent neurodevelopmental problems.
Neurodevelopmental problems due to taking antibiotics
Penicillin and related drugs, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin, are the most commonly used antibiotics in children worldwide. The average child receives almost three courses of antibiotics before the age of 2. These rates occur in many countries. The study authors' previous research has shown that exposing young animals to antibiotics alters their metabolism and immunity. The third important development in early life concerns the brain. This study is preliminary, but shows a correlation between the change in the microbiome and changes in the brain. The researchers found that laboratory mice to which they administered penicillin experienced significanthad changes in their gut microbiota. The animals also showed altered gene expression in the frontal cortex and amygdala. These are two key areas in the brain responsible for memory development and anxiety and stress responses.
A growing body of evidence links phenomena in the intestinal tract to signals to the brain. This is an area of research known as the “gut-brain axis.” If this signaling pathway is disrupted, it can lead to permanent changes in brain structure and function and possibly lead to neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative diseases later in childhood or adulthood. These include autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities. Disturbances in cerebral gene expression at the beginning of development could also be responsible, say the authorsthis study. Future studies are needed to determine whether taking antibiotics directly affects brain development or whether molecules from the microbiome entering the brain disrupt gene activity and cause cognitive deficits.
