* NewEarth University Staff favorite *
In the past year, Dr Marco elucidated the role of the brain lymphatic system in connecting the gut and brain microbiota and with his colleagues postulated how the balance of these microbial populations may be involved in the pathogenesis of autism and neurological disease (Clin Endosc 2016 49:579). In this fabulous lecture he describes a strategy aimed at reconstituting the brain microbiota at the same time stimulating the immune system and reducing neuroinflammation, which are hallmarks of autism spectrum disorders. Such a strategy is based on a novel, dairy-free probiotic aptly formulated for this task; and on a glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate, that is endowed with immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities.