ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��

In her research, Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� PhD candidate Caroline de Theije has convincingly proved that there is a correlation between gastrointestinal problems and deficits in the brain. She observed gastrointestinal inflammation in a murine model for autism. Vice versa, an activation of the gut’s immune system caused changes in brain and behavioural abnormalities. A diet composed of specific nutrients may prevent gut problems and abnormal behaviour. Caroline de Theije will defend her thesis June 25.

Children with autism relatively often suffer from gut problems, but up till now researchers have disagreed on the actual interaction between the brain and the gut in people with autism. With her PhD research, Caroline de Theije has made a plausible case for this correlation in mice, and demonstrated the possibility to influence processes in the brain and behaviour with a specific diet. “We think that the brain-gut interaction may also apply to humans, but much more research is needed to substantiate this”, emphasises Co-Supervisor Dr Aletta Kraneveld.

Autistic behaviour

In the first part of her research, De Theije proves that male mice that display autistic behaviour also have an inflammation in the small intestine. Furthermore, the composition of the intestinal bacteria population – the microbiota – was also changed in a comparable manner as observed in children with autism.

Food allergy

In follow-up studies, De Theije examined whether brain-gut interactions also occur when the gastrointestinal immune system is activated as a result of food allergy. Mice that were given food to which they were allergic displayed less social and more repetitive behaviour and had a reduced capacity to learn. These behavioural changes were accompanied by changes in brain areas that are involved in social behaviour.

Diet

De Theije also studied the effects of a specific diet given to mice during pregnancy and in the period immediately following birth of their offspring displaying autistic behaviour. This diet consisted of specific nutrients that are beneficial to the immune system and the central nervous system. The male offspring mice that had been exposed to this diet during pregnancy and lactation did not have gut problems and did not display autistic-like behaviour. A similar effect was found in mice with a food allergy displaying abnormal behaviour. 

Possible explanation

De Theije’s research may have yielded a scientific explanation for the correlation between autistic-like behavioural changes and gut issues, as concentrations of certain types of neurotransmitters in the gut and brain of mice displaying autistic-like behaviour also seemed to deviate. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine play an important role in social and emotional behaviour and in regulating gastrointestinal inflammation.
“It is possible that the production and/or degradation of neurotransmitters during the development of mice with autistic-like behaviour is disturbed, which may lead to deviations in both the brain and the gut”, explains De Theije. “Certain types of nutrients appear to be able to prevent this problem to some extent.” 

PhD ceremony

Caroline de Theije will obtain her doctoral degree on 25 June at 16:15 hours in Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��’s ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� Hall. The title of her doctoral thesis is ‘Neuroimmunomodulation of the young brain’. Her PhD Supervisors were Prof. Johan Garssen and Prof. Berend Olivier; her Co-Supervisors were Dr Aletta Kraneveld and Dr Mechiel Korte, all of the division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��.

This research was co-financed by Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� and Nutricia Research.

Life Sciences

This research is closely related to one of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��’s strategic themes, Life Sciences, and more specifically its sub-theme Public Health. This sub-theme clusters all research into infectious diseases and the immune system, cardiovascular diseases, nutrition and health, and translational neurosciences. Emphasis is placed on infections and immunity and the major role of intestinal microbiota in the human and animal health.

More information

Monica van der Garde, Press Officer of the Faculty of Science, m.vandergarde@uu.nl, 06 13 66 14 38.

On no reply: Roy Keeris, Press Officer of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��, (030) 253 2411, r.b.keeris@uu.nl.