More and more evidence is coming out that autism in certain individuals is related to a wide array of underlying medical problems – including, but not limited to immune system disorders. One immune issue in particular is autoimmunity where the immune system attacks our own body tissue creating destruction and localized inflammation. There are many types of autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. Even though autism is not currently classified as an autoimmune disease there are clearly factors involved that show immune system imbalances are a contributing problem. This article will discuss the link between autism and various brain tissues that relate to autoimmune reactivity and neurological inflammation.
* Blood Brain Barrier (BBB Protein):
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the biological barrier that protects the brain by regulating the flow of numerous substances into the brain.
These substances can range from the circulating ions (sodium, potassium, chloride) to neurotransmitters, growth factors, bacteria and their toxins, and other substances that can affect the brain and central nervous system. The BBB is made of up of a continuous layer of endothelial cells (blood vessels) that are joined together by connections called “tight junctions.” These tight junctions are analogous to the tight junctions in the digestive tract that only allow certain substances to pass from the gut into the blood.
However, just like in the digestive system when there is a loss of tight junction capacity through various causes of intestinal inflammation – called “leaky gut,” a similar situation can occur in the brain. With ongoing neurological inflammation we can develop a leaky BBB.
There are two important components of the BBB – astroglia and microglia:
* Astroglia (glial cell) – these cells are critical for brain and BBB support. They help with brain nutrient absorption and structural support, as well as being involved in repairing damaged areas. Astroglia can become over-stimulated leading to enlargement and crowding. This effect can cause hypoperfusion (reduced blood flow) in the brain.
* Microglia (glial cell) – microglia make up 20% of the glial cells in the brain. They are the main immune defense in the central nervous system, and are constantly on the prowl looking for invading pathogens. Microglia are also responsible for initiating inflammation in response to infections and other immune triggers such as vaccines, foods, or toxins. They can become chronically activated and never turn off – which ultimately leads to ongoing neurological damage.
In a study by Vargas, et al. in 2005 from the Department of Neurology at John Hopkins University titled “Neuroglial Activation and Neuroinflammation in the Brain of Patients with Autism” they discovered that patients with ASD age 5 to 44 had markedly elevated levels of immune factors related to microglia induced inflammation.
Tags: biomedical autism treatment