The influence of asthma on neuroinflammation and neurodevelopment: From epidemiology to basic models

Brain Behav Immun. 2024 Feb:116:218-228. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.003. Epub 2023 Dec 8.

Abstract

Asthma is a highly heterogeneous inflammatory disease that can have a significant effect on both the respiratory system and central nervous system. Population based studies and animal models have found asthma to be comorbid with a number of neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, maternal asthma during pregnancy has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring, such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In this article, we review the most current epidemiological studies of asthma that identify links to neurological conditions, both as it relates to individuals that suffer from asthma and the impacts asthma during pregnancy may have on offspring neurodevelopment. We also discuss the relevant animal models investigating these links, address the gaps in knowledge, and explore the potential future directions in this field.

Keywords: Asthma/Allergy; Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Cytokines; MAA; Maternal asthma and allergy; Maternal immune activation (MIA); Neurodevelopment; Neuroinflammation; Schizophrenia; neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asthma* / epidemiology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / epidemiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Neuroinflammatory Diseases
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*