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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
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Gut microbiota and microbiome in schizophrenia
Jerzy Samochowiec1, Błażej Misiak2
1Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin.
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|June 22, 2021
Summary
Gut microbiota alterations are linked to schizophrenia, potentially influencing psychosis. While animal studies show behavioral changes after microbiota transplantation, human trials do not yet support probiotics for schizophrenia treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Bidirectional interactions exist between the gut microbiota and central nervous system function.
- Alterations in gut microbiota are implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a narrative review of studies on gut microbiota alterations in schizophrenia patients.
- Focus on research published between 2019 and 2020.
Main Methods:
- Literature search for relevant studies.
- Narrative synthesis of findings on gut microbiota in schizophrenia.
Main Results:
- Studies show gut microbiota alterations in schizophrenia, linked to neurostructural issues, symptoms, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation from patients to mice induced behavioral and neurotransmission changes.
- Clinical trials have not supported probiotics as add-on treatments for schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota alterations are prevalent in schizophrenia and may contribute to psychosis.
- Longitudinal studies are required to establish causality.
- Further clinical trials are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics.
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