Posted on 09/24/2024 7:33:00 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
A new study led by Prof. Omry Koren has unveiled significant evidence connecting the gut microbiome to aggressive behavior in mice.
The research explores how disruptions in the microbiome, particularly due to antibiotic use in early life, can lead to increased aggression.
The study builds on previous findings that demonstrated a correlation between antibiotic exposure and heightened aggression in fruit flies. By utilizing a mouse model, the researchers have taken this investigation a step further, examining behavioral, biochemical, and neurological changes in response to microbiome alterations.
The team also transplanted a microbiome derived from infants who had received antibiotics shortly after birth into mice, observing notable increases in aggression compared to those receiving a microbiome from infants not exposed to antibiotics.
"Our findings are revolutionary," said Prof. Koren. "They suggest that a disrupted microbiome during critical developmental periods can lead to persistent aggressive behaviors later in life."
To assess aggression, the research team employed the resident-intruder paradigm, where a foreign mouse is introduced into the home cage of a resident mouse. The results indicated a clear link between reduced diversity in gut bacteria—caused by antibiotic treatment—and increased aggression. Additionally, significant changes in metabolites and gene expression related to aggression were observed in the brains of the mice.
The study is particularly noteworthy for its use of "humanized" mice, which have been implanted with human intestinal bacteria. This approach enhances the relevance of the findings to human health and behavior, providing insights into how early-life antibiotic exposure can shape future social behaviors.
The research also explores the biochemical mechanisms underlying these behavioral changes, measuring neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin and tryptophan in the brains of the mice. The team identified key patterns of gene expression in several brain regions, highlighting the septum as a crucial area in regulating aggression.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
There are probiotics for children at various stages that could be explored, if your child had to take antibiotics. Yogurts and other fermented foods could also help.
It is fascinating to think excessive aggression is from a lack of certain gut bacteria.
We need these bacteria far more than previously realized.
The gut - brain connection continues to amaze me.
“reduced diversity in gut bacteria increased aggression”
So “diversity is our strength” is true — at least in our bowels.
“ It appears antibiotics can be responsible for aggression in kids that even continues into adulthood.”
Nonsense.
At best this suggest a possibility.
But I think this, despite being technically sound, is junk science based on overreaching design and assumptions.
It is fascinating to think excessive aggression is from a lack of certain gut bacteria. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
And here all this time I thought it was the copious amounts of whiskey I drink.
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