Antibiotic Exposure in Early Life Affect Brain Development
by Angela Mohan on
July 15, 2021 at 9:38 AM
iScience.
The study suggests that penicillin changes the microbiome and gene expression, which allows cells to respond to its changing environment, in key areas of the developing brain. Reducing widespread antibiotic use or using alternatives when possible helps to prevent neurodevelopment problems.
"Our previous work has shown that exposing young animals to antibiotics changes their metabolism and immunity. The third important development in early life involves the brain.
This study is preliminary but shows a correlation between altering the microbiome and changes in the brain that should be further explored," said lead author Martin Blaser, director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers.