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Related Concept Videos

Gut-Brain Axis01:22

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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...
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Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

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Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
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Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
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Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
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G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
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[Depressive Disorder and Gut-brain Interaction].

Hiroshi Kunugi1

  • 1Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|June 10, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Depressive disorder is linked to gut bacteria imbalances. Lower counts of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were found in major depressive disorder patients, suggesting gut microbiota

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Depressive disorder is a stress-induced condition with potential bidirectional interactions with gut microbiota.
  • Probiotics like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus may mitigate stress responses.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal manifestation of psychological distress, often co-occurs with depressive disorder, involving altered gut microbiota and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of gut microbiota in major depressive disorder (MDD).
  • To compare gut microbiota composition, specifically Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus levels, between MDD patients and healthy controls.
  • To explore the potential of gut microbiota in diagnosing and treating depression.

Main Methods:

  • Direct investigation of gut microbiota in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

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Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice
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  • Analysis of bacterial counts, focusing on Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species.
  • Comparison of microbial profiles between MDD patients and a healthy control group.

    • Main Results:

    • Individuals with major depressive disorder exhibited lower bacterial counts for Bifidobacterium and/or Lactobacillus compared to healthy controls.
    • Findings suggest a potential link between specific gut bacteria deficiencies and MDD.
    • Animal models of depression show similar gut abnormalities and positive responses to probiotics.

    Conclusions:

    • Gut microbiota composition, particularly reduced Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, may be associated with major depressive disorder.
    • Targeting gut microbiota represents a promising avenue for the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
    • Further research into the gut-brain axis in depression is warranted.