Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
09:18
A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
Communication between gastrointestinal bacteria and the nervous system
Javier A Bravo1, Marcela Julio-Pieper, Paul Forsythe
1Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile. javier.bravo@ucv.cl
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|October 9, 2012
Summary
Modulating the intestinal microbiota, such as with probiotics, shows promise for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and aiding psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The gut-brain axis describes the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.
- Alterations in the gut-brain axis are linked to functional gastrointestinal disorders and psychiatric conditions.
- Intestinal microbiota, the community of microorganisms in the gut, plays a crucial role in this axis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of intestinal microbiota modulation as a therapeutic strategy.
- To investigate its application in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and comorbid stress-related psychiatric conditions.
- To evaluate its role as an adjuvant therapy for anxiety and depression.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on the gut-brain axis and intestinal microbiota.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of microbial modulation (e.g., probiotics) on gastrointestinal and psychiatric symptoms.
- Exploration of the mechanisms underlying microbiota-brain communication.
Main Results:
- Intestinal microbiota modulation is a promising therapeutic avenue for gut-brain axis disorders.
- Probiotic interventions show potential for alleviating IBS symptoms.
- Microbiota-targeted therapies may offer benefits as adjunctive treatments for anxiety and depression.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the intestinal microbiota represents a novel strategy for managing IBS.
- Microbiota modulation could serve as an adjuvant therapy for psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the full therapeutic potential and mechanisms.
More Related Videos
07:29Real-time Analysis of Gut-brain Neural Communication: Cortex wide Calcium Dynamics in Response to Intestinal Glucose Stimulation
Published on: December 29, 2023
08:07Equine Enteric Glial Culture and Application to the Study of a Neural Inflammatory Mechanism in Equine Colic
Published on: October 4, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:37Neural Regulation
Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
01:05Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health
The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
01:11Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity
The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) plays a pivotal role in regulating gastrointestinal or GI motor activity. This complex network of nerves, deeply embedded within the gut wall, responds to changes in the gut environment and receives input from both the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system. By doing so, the ENS operates various programs tailored to the body's nutritional status and needs.
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a program...
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a program...
01:27Nerve Supply of the GI Tract
The neuronal supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for regulating various functions, including digestion, absorption, and movement of food. This intricate network of nerves is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the "second brain" of the body.
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of the GI tract...
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of the GI tract...
01:18Functions of the Gut Microbiota
The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...