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Published on: July 28, 2023
Autointoxication and historical precursors of the microbiome-gut-brain axis
1School of Modern Languages and Cultures, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract:
This article focuses on autointoxication, a discredited medical theory from the late nineteenth century that provides important points of reflection for today's research on the role of microbes in the human gut for mental health. It considers how the theory of autointoxication, which came into great prominence amongst physicians and the general public worldwide, fell from grace by the middle of the twentieth century, and briefly asks why studies of the human microbiome are now back in vogue. It departs from earlier articles on the topic firstly by arguing that autointoxication theory was especially prevalent in France, and secondly by focusing on the application of this theory to mental health. Bringing to light medical treatises and theses from this period which have so far remained unexamined, it shows that examining the development and reception of medical theories form the past can help us today in understanding both the pitfalls and promise of research in this area.
Insights
The discredited theory of autointoxication, focusing on gut microbes and mental health, offers lessons for modern microbiome research. Examining historical medical texts reveals insights into past theories and current research directions.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Autointoxication was a prominent 19th-century theory linking gut microbes to health.
- This theory lost favor by the mid-20th century but is relevant to current microbiome research.
- Modern research explores the gut microbiome's impact on mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the historical theory of autointoxication.
- To explore its specific prevalence and application in mental health contexts.
- To draw parallels between historical and contemporary microbiome research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of previously unexamined 19th and early 20th-century medical treatises and theses.
- Historical research into the rise and fall of autointoxication theory.
- Comparative analysis of historical and current microbiome research.
Main Results:
- Autointoxication theory was particularly influential in France.
- The theory was applied to understanding mental health conditions.
- Historical perspectives offer valuable insights into current microbiome research.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the history of autointoxication provides context for current microbiome research.
- Past medical theories, even discredited ones, offer lessons for scientific progress.
- Historical analysis aids in navigating the complexities of microbiome-mental health research.
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