12 Days of Research at Mass General: Autism and the Blood-Brain Barrier

By mghresearch | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Events, Five Things to Know, Gastroenterology | 0 comment | 13 December, 2017 | 0

In the 12 days leading up to our holiday hiatus, we are looking back on the past year and sharing some highlights in Massachusetts General Hospital research news from each month of 2017.

February 2017:

Five Things to Know: The Blood-Brain Barrier, Intestinal Permeability and Autism

Researchers from the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) recently came out with a study published in Molecular Autism. Here are five things to know:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., with 1 in every 68 children born in this country diagnosed with ASD. Parents and researchers alike are looking for to learn more about the causes and develop new treatment options for this complex condition.
The blood-brain barrier prevents materials in the blood from entering the brain, and the intestinal epithelial tissue (the intestine’s lining) creates a boundary between the intestine and the rest of the body. When either of these barriers aren’t functioning properly, it can cause inflammation.
The research team analyzed postmortem brain tissues from 33 individuals (8 with ASD, 10 with schizophrenia and 15 healthy controls) and intestinal tissues from 21 individuals (12 with ASD and 9 without such disorders).
The results showed alterations in blood-brain barrier and intestinal permeability in individuals with ASD. This is the first time anyone has shown that an altered blood-brain barrier and impaired intestinal barrier could both be contributing to inflammation in the nervous system tissue of individuals with ASD.
What’s next? Researchers plan to look at how the composition of microbiota in the intestine impacts intestinal permeability and the behavior of autistic individuals. Researchers already know that kids with ASD have an altered composition of gut microbial communities. If they can learn more about this composition impacts ASD, they may be able to devise new treatments.

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To Mars and Beyond: Exploring Innovative Solutions to the Challenges of Space Travel

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If you could only bring two shoeboxes worth of medical supplies—from first aid kits to surgical tools— with you on a three-year space mission, what would you bring?
Are You Actually Allergic to Penicillin? Researchers Find New Methods to Confirm Antibiotic Allergies

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Mass General researchers are working to increase the safe use of penicillins in patients who have a recorded penicillin allergy but are not actually allergic.
Re-Thinking Mental Health Treatment: World Health Day 2017

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Did you know that more than 300 million people worldwide live with depression? That number has increased 18% between 2005 and 2015, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). With such staggering numbers, it’s no surprise that WHO has chosen depression as its theme for this year’s World Health Day, which is celebrated today, April 7th.
New Study Finds Low-Dose Aspirin May Lower Risk of Cancer Death

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A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital reports that long-term regular aspirin was associated with a lower risk of dying from various types of cancers.
Mass General Stands Up for Science

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The Boston March for Science will celebrate the discovery, understanding and sharing of scientific knowledge. Several groups from Massachusetts General Hospital are working together to organize and ensure a strong presence to reaffirm the message about the essential role that science – biomedical research, in particular – plays in improving life and health.
Adhering to Treatment During Adolescence Keeps HIV-Positive Youth on a Healthier Track

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Individuals born with HIV are more likely to have difficulty managing their treatment as teens and young adults than they did as children.
Celebrating the Role of Women in Science and Much More

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Interested in the newest research studies and hot topics? Check out the latest issues of “From the Lab Bench”, a monthly newsletter from the Office of the Scientific Director at the Mass General Research Institute, and “Research Roundup”, our monthly recap of the latest biomedical research news.
Research Rumble Recap and the Art of Effective Science Communication

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Last night five researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital showed off their science communication skills in a Research Rumble at the Cambridge Public Library as part of Cambridge Science Festival. Co-DirectorRead more