The change in an enzyme in the brain of infants can lead to sudden infant death syndrome. What parents should still pay attention to.
In Germany, around 80 babies die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) every year. It is true that the number of cases has been reduced in recent decades due to precautions that ensure safe sleep in infants. But to date, researchers have not been able to find the exact cause of the phenomenon. In the meantime, however, they are getting closer to the mystery behind SIDS. According to studies, certain enzymes in the brain play a major role and are responsible for sudden infant death syndrome.
Mystery of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome solved? Researchers discover changes in enzyme
Researchers have been looking for causes of sudden infant death syndrome for a long time. According to the results of a study, an enzyme in the brain is said to be responsible. © Cavan Images/IMAGO
In their study, published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, scientists examined the brain stems of 70 infants who died between 2004 and 2011 using tissue samples from the San Diego Medical Examiner's Office. It was found that the serotonin 2A/C receptor was altered in 58 of the affected babies, which meant that serotonin could only be bound to a reduced extent. In contrast, the anomaly occurred in only twelve infants in the comparison group.
According to the researchers, the serotonin 2A/C receptor plays an important role in breathing during sleep. Studies in rodents have shown that activation of the receptor contributes to wakefulness and breath control and protects the brain from lack of oxygen during sleep. However, this protective mechanism can be weakened or even fail completely if the responsible receptor is not correctly formed.
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Researchers advise parents to follow the guidelines for safe sleep
Although the results of the study are advances in this area, more studies are needed to investigate the exact relationship between the receptor abnormality and respiratory control in infants, according to the scientists. Until now, the subtle abnormalities of the serotonin docking sites in the brainstem have so far only been recognizable in tissue samples.
According to study leader Dr. Robin Haynes, it is all the more important that parents continue to follow the guidelines for safe sleep for children under one year of age. For example, sleeping in a prone position is a clear risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome and should therefore be avoided. In addition, parents should avoid pillows, skins and cuddly toys in the cot, as they increase the risk of suffocation. Overheating can also increase the risk.
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