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[MINILIK SALSAWI]

A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests that stress during early life may increase the risk of digestive problems later on. Researchers found that these effects are linked to changes in both the gut and the sympathetic nervous system.

"Our research shows that these stressors can have a real impact on a child's development and may influence gut issues long-term. Understanding the mechanisms involved can help us to create more targeted treatments," said study author Kara Margolis, director of the NYU Pain Research Center and professor of molecular pathobiology at NYU College of Dentistry and pediatrics and cell biology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

How Early Stress Shapes Brain and Gut Development

Experiences such as emotional neglect and other forms of adversity can significantly influence a child's development. Studies indicate that stress during pregnancy and early childhood can affect how the brain develops and increase the risk of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

To better understand this connection, researchers at NYU College of Dentistry's Pain Research Center examined how early stress affects communication between the brain and the gut. This connection plays a key role in digestion, and disruptions can lead to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, and motility issues (e.g., constipation or diarrhea).

"When the brain is impacted, the gut is likely also impacted -- the two systems communicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Margolis. "There's some data showing that early life stress may be linked to gut disorders, but we wanted to take an in-depth look at the mechanisms and how these gut-brain pathways work."

Mouse Studies Reveal Lasting Effects of Early Stress

The research team investigated early life stress using mouse models along with two large studies involving children.

In the animal study, newborn mice were separated from their mothers for several hours each day to simulate early stress. When examined months later (at the equivalent of young adulthood), these mice showed increased anxiety-like behavior, gut pain, and problems with gut movement. The type of motility issue differed by sex, with females more likely to develop diarrhea and males more likely to experience constipation.

READ FULL Article : https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 064444.htm