Study identifies possible link to autism development
In recent years, numerous studies have shown that the bacteria present in our gut have an impact on our overall health.
These gut bacteria can influence our mood, how we cope with stress, and our risk of developing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
A new study published in The Journal of Immunology provides new insights into the possible link between gut bacteria and autism.
According to the World Health Organization, autism is a group of brain developmental disorders that affect how people interact and communicate with others.
Furthermore, the WHO states that people with autism “often experience co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as behavioral problems such as difficulty sleeping and self-harm.” The intellectual abilities of these individuals vary from person to person.
Research indicates that the mother’s microbiome has a greater influence on the development of autism than our own.
“The microbiome can influence brain development in many ways,” said John Lukens, principal investigator and doctoral student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, in a statement.
“The microbiome plays a crucial role in calibrating the offspring’s immune response to infection, trauma, or stress.”
An important piece of this puzzle may be a molecule produced by the immune system called interleukin-17a (IL-17a). This molecule is known for its role in diseases such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and also helps fight fungal infections. However, it also appears to influence brain development before birth.
To investigate this, the researchers used mice with different types of gut bacteria. One group had bacteria that triggered a strong IL-17a-mediated immune response, while the other did not.
When researchers blocked IL-17a in young mice, both groups behaved normally. However, after the treatment ended and the mice grew spontaneously, the first group began to develop symptoms associated with autism, such as repetitive behaviors.
The researchers then collected feces from the first group and transferred it to the second group via fecal transplant, which transferred the gut bacteria that cause inflammation. As expected, the second group of mice also began exhibiting autism-like behaviors.
Although the researchers conducted the study only on mice, it lays the groundwork for further research that could determine the extent to which maternal gut health contributes to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders.
“In terms of translating our research to humans, I believe the next important step will be to identify the microbiome characteristics in pregnant women that are correlated with autism risk,” Lukens said. “I think the most important thing is to determine which factors can be used to modulate the maternal microbiome as effectively and safely as possible.”
While blocking IL-17a may also offer a way to prevent autism, Lukens said it carries some risks. “If you think about pregnancy, the body is essentially assimilating foreign tissue, which is the baby,” he said. “Therefore, maintaining the health of the embryo requires a complex balance in immune system regulation, which is why people typically avoid manipulating the immune system during pregnancy.”
He suggested that there are many other molecules that could be studied, since IL-17a is only a small part of a much larger picture.
Food products were also found to be contaminated
Not only did the study find these toxins in the toys, but the black plastic sushi trays also contained 11,900 parts per million of decaBDE (decabromodiphenyl ether), a chemical compound from the PBDE family.
A 2024 study linked high blood levels of PBDEs to a 300% increase in cancer mortality compared to people with low exposure.
DecaBDE Restrictions
DecaBDE was completely banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021 due to its association with a wide range of health problems, including thyroid dysfunction, hormone imbalances, cancer, neurological problems, fetal malformations, and immune toxicity.
Despite the ban, the study found decaBDE levels 5 to 1,200 times higher than the legal limit in 70% of the samples analyzed. It’s estimated that people using contaminated cookware may be exposed to approximately 34.7 parts per million of the substance per day.
What is most worrying is that these chemicals should no longer be in circulation.
Flame-retardant electronics.
Most American households own more than 20 electronic devices (smartphones, TVs, laptops, game consoles), all of which contain flame retardants to minimize fire risks. These substances are also found in furniture, car seats, carpets, yoga mats, and other everyday items.
Over time, flame retardants can become airborne and deposit on various surfaces, including the foods and water we consume.
Study limitations:
The study focused exclusively on black plastic, so it’s unclear whether other colors of plastic pose a similar risk. Additionally, the researchers did not disclose the brand names of the products tested.
Although other countries have reported similar contamination, research on food contact materials in the United States is still lacking. Other studies have shown that these chemicals can leach into food or be ingested by children when toys are put in their mouths.
Bromine Levels
To assess toxicity, researchers analyzed 203 black plastic objects for the presence of bromine, a key indicator of flame retardants. The 20 objects with the highest bromine concentrations were examined in more detail.
Brominated flame retardants are highly toxic and, because they persist in the body for years, pose a significant risk. They are estimated to have cost the U.S. healthcare system $159 billion in 2018 alone. There is no safe level of exposure to these chemicals.
What can we do about it?
Consumers can protect themselves by supporting brands that are committed to using flame-retardant materials. If you have black plastic kitchen utensils, consider replacing them with safer alternatives like stainless steel or glass.
Avoid reusing black plastic takeout containers and remove food from them as quickly as possible. Never reheat these containers in the microwave, as the heat can accelerate the release of chemicals into the food.
Black Plastic Recap
While recycling is meant to help the environment and reduce waste, flaws in the system mean hazardous materials from electronic devices end up in items we use every day, from children’s toys to food containers.
Until stricter controls are introduced, it’s best to avoid black plastic pots and opt for safer, more transparent solutions.
Avoid this popular clothing material that releases microplastics into your bloodstream every time it comes into contact with your body.
Our clothing has a significant impact on our lives. It protects us from the elements and helps us develop our identity and style. However, the same clothes that are supposed to protect our bodies can actually harm us.
Microplastics in our bodies.
Tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm are known as microplastics and pose a growing environmental problem. Oceans, soil, air, and even our bodies contain these particles, often invisible to the naked eye.
Understanding the impact of microplastics on human health
Because microplastics are present in many ecosystems and pose a threat to human health, concerns about them are growing.