Study says anti-diarrhea drug could cure autism

Researchers at the University of Oslo in Norway, using drugs that are already on the market, published in the journal Science. Boundaries in Pharmacology A promising study on the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that presents signs and symptoms such as difficulty in social interaction, difficulties in communication, cognitive rigidity, hypersensitivity to sounds and textures, as well as low eye contact.

Symptoms are still perceived in childhood, and individuals’ needs vary with levels of support ranging from Level 1 (“mild”) to Level 3 (severe).

There is no specific treatment for autism, only therapies with a very professional team and, if necessary, medications to control emotional symptoms.

The researchers analyzed the interaction of proteins with common properties in people with ASD in a computer program and observed some promising reactions upon contact with the action of certain drugs.

Reusing existing drugs used by the population provides benefits such as prior knowledge of their interactions, adverse reactions, as well as long-term effects.

A drug used especially in the treatment of diarrhea, loperamide, showed positive results in interacting with proteins that regulate aspects of social behavior, among other factors.

The researchers tested mice that lacked the µ-opioid receptor protein and showed deficits in social behavior. After using the drug, the protein was activated and the social behavior of the mice was restored.

This creates a possibility that one of the most common symptoms in people with autism can receive specific, effective and safe treatment.

While the results are quite promising, more research needs to be done to prove the effectiveness of the treatment.