Maternal-infant probiotic transmission mitigates early-life stress-induced autism in mice.

ABSTRACT: Autism, a disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, presents significant challenges for prevention and treatment. While maternal-infant gut microbiota has been a focus in autism research, preventive strategies targeting maternal gut microbiota remain underexplored. This study demonstrates that prenatal probiotic intake can effectively prevent maternal separation-induced autistic-like behaviors in offspring without altering the embryonic neurodevelopment in mice. Using specific PCR primers and cross-fostering experiments, we traced the vertical transmission of probiotics, primarily via fecal/vaginal contamination. Early probiotic colonization conferred resilience against stress-induced gut pathogenic microbes and Th17-mediated peripheral inflammation while significantly

SUBMITTER: Qing L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11817528 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature