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TH2 sensitization in the skin-gut-brain axis: How early-life Th2-mediated inflammation may negatively perpetuate
LaDonya Jackson-Cowan1, Emily F Cole2, Jack L Arbiser2
1AU/UGA Medical Partnership, The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA.
Insights
Children with atopic diseases show higher rates of developmental delays. This review explores how T helper-2 (Th2) inflammation may impact brain development and cognitive function in children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Atopic diseases like eczema and asthma are linked to increased developmental delays in children.
- T helper-2 (Th2) driven inflammation, common in atopic conditions, is hypothesized to negatively affect brain development.
- Existing research suggests a connection between Th2 sensitization and cognitive dysfunction, but more investigation is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Th2 sensitization in the skin-gut-brain axis and its potential impact on the developing brain.
- To explore the association between Th2 sensitization and various developmental abnormalities, including developmental delays, memory impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and epilepsy.
- To examine the link between Th2 sensitization and psychological dysfunction, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the impact of Th2 sensitization on the developing brain.
- Examination of the effects of increased Interleukin-4 (IL-4) exposure in early life.
- Analysis of the influence of early-life exposure to glucocorticoids and neurotrophins.
Main Results:
- Th2 sensitization may lead to reduced brain connectivity and impaired neural transmission.
- Increased IL-4 exposure in early life is associated with potential neurodevelopmental and psychological issues.
- Early-life exposure to glucocorticoids and neurotrophins also impacts brain development.
Conclusions:
- Th2 sensitization is a potential contributor to developmental and psychological dysfunctions in children.
- Further research is crucial to understand the mechanisms linking atopic inflammation and neurodevelopment.
- Future interventions targeting Th2 inflammation may help mitigate developmental and psychological problems in affected children.
Abstract:
We recently reported children with comorbid atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies displaying a 2.7-fold increase in developmental delays.2 To this end, we hypothesize unregulated increases in T helper-2 (Th2)-driven inflammation, such as those seen in atopic diseases, can exert deleterious effects on the developing brain. Recognizing that available information is incomplete and that many potential associations are not firmly established, we speculate these effects underlie the association between Th2 sensitization and cognitive dysfunction in children. In this review, we explore the role of Th2 sensitization in the skin-gut-brain axis and explain how it can lead to reduced connectivity and transmission in the developing brain. With a focus on AD, we explore the association between Th2 sensitization and developmental abnormalities such as developmental delays, memory impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and epilepsy/seizures. As such, we review the available literature to examine the impact of increased IL-4 exposure in early life on the brain. We explore the possible association between Th2 sensitization and psychologic dysfunction such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. We also examine the impact that increased exposure to glucocorticoids and neurotrophins in early life exerts on the developing brain. Last, we discuss future directions for the advancement of our knowledge as a scientific community including possible interventions to reduce developmental and psychologic aberrations in children.
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