Advances in Understanding the Gut-Immune-Brain Link in Autism -- CME program for medical professionals

This course will explore the latest research on the microbiota regulation of the endocannabinoid and immune systems. The attendee will become familiar with the components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and understand what fatty acids act as natural ligands for the various receptors. They will understand the difference between type 1 and 2 receptors as well as the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel and the unique G-couple receptors and their function. The process whereby dietary fats and carbohydrates act upon by the microbiome to create changes in ECS regulation and the implications for the brain’s intrinsic immune system will be presented. The course describes the critical role of Vitamin D, its receptors and transporter proteins, and their interactions with the ECS. Finally, the novel fatty acid: palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide, belonging to the class of nuclear factor agonists. Has no binding to CB1 or 2, but attaches to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) and cannabinoid-like G-coupled receptors GPR55 and GPR119. PEA is a powerful regulator of mast cells and in both human and animal studies has anti-inflammatory properties, which have implications for ASD immune and gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Learning objectives:
1) The attendee will become familiar with the components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
2) The attendee will understand what fatty acids act as natural ligands for the various receptors.
3) The attendee will understand the difference between type 1 and 2 receptors as well as the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel and the unique G-couple receptors and their function.
4) The attendee will understand the critical role of Vitamin D, its receptors and transporter proteins, and their interactions with the ECS.
5) The attendee will learn how the novel fatty acid palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has have implications for ASD immune and gastrointestinal dysfunction.

James Jeffrey Bradstreet, MD

Dr. Bradstreet received undergrad and medical degrees from University of South Florida. His residency training was at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, with training at Brooks School of Aerospace Medicine and Randolph AFB. He is an adjunct professor and faculty for Autism Collaboration & Education at Western U in CA and a visiting professor at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is extensively published on biomedical issues of autism and was PI of two landmark studies: 1) involving a new methodology to view the brain with ultrasound, and 2) a double-blind study of the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation using a method known as MRT, for the treatment of autism -- both registered with clinicaltrials.gov. Phase one of the ultrasound study was recently published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, and the MRT study completed in June of 2014. He is director of the Brain Treatment Center of Atlanta and is licensed in Georgia, Florida, California and Arizona.