What Is Microchimerism?

Microchimerism is caused by the transfer of a small number of cells from one individual to another. More common in pregnant women and recipients of organ transplants. The DNA left in the mother's body during pregnancy by a male fetus will remain in the female brain for the rest of her life. Studies have found that male DNA in women's brains reduces the risk of dementia. In other words, the son uses his DNA to help mothers avoid neurological diseases.

Microchimerism

Microchimerism is caused by the transfer of a small number of cells from one individual to another. More common in pregnant women and

A microchimerism is a small number that comes from another person, genetically related to

Breastfeeding

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A defense system called the blood-brain barrier prevents many drugs and bacteria in the blood from entering the brain. However, doctors have discovered that this barrier becomes more permeable during pregnancy, which could explain how these fetal cells move into their mother's brain.