A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Duke Health in North Carolina has identified a molecule in breast milk that holds the potential to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy in infants. Cerebral palsy, a condition caused by nerve fiber damage in the brain, affects approximately 10% of babies born prematurely.

The study, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, highlights the importance of a specific fatty molecule found in breast milk. This molecule triggers a process in which stem cells in the brain produce new white matter, effectively reversing the injury caused by infections. The research team, led by assistant professor Eric Benner, M.D., Ph.D., from Duke University School of Medicine, described the finding as extremely encouraging, given the molecule's presence in breast milk, which is already deemed safe for premature babies.

While it is known that fats in breast milk contribute to brain development, this study identifies a lipid molecule that specifically promotes white matter development in the brain. The researchers now aim to develop a therapy that safely delivers this lipid to preterm infants, who often face gastrointestinal issues that prevent them from consuming milk or medication orally.

An upcoming clinical trial will administer the identified fatty molecule intravenously to patients, expanding the potential for this groundbreaking treatment. By encouraging the production of white matter through the activation of oligodendrocytes, the treatment aims to prevent neurological damage and improve the mobility of preterm infants, ultimately reducing the risk of cerebral palsy.

This significant discovery offers hope to families and medical professionals alike, as it presents a potential solution for a condition that previously had no effective treatment options. The study was funded by various organizations, including the National Institutes of Health.