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Probiotics: Potential novel therapeutics for microbiota-gut-brain axis dysfunction across gender and lifespan
Shikha Snigdha1, Kevin Ha1, Paul Tsai1
1MeriCal, 233 E Bristol St., Orange, CA, USA.
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|September 7, 2021
Summary
Probiotics benefit more than just the gut. Research shows these live microorganisms impact the central nervous system (CNS) and may offer therapeutic potential for CNS conditions, with possible gender-specific effects.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring health benefits, are known for gastrointestinal effects.
- Emerging research links gut microbiota alterations to impacts on immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems (CNS).
- The 'microbiota-gut-brain axis' highlights the gut microbiome's role in CNS function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and applications of probiotics in microbiota-gut-brain axis dysfunction.
- To explore probiotic conceptualization considering gender and lifespan.
- To examine how gut microbiota restoration impacts non-gastrointestinal health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal and clinical studies.
- Analysis of emerging evidence on probiotic mechanisms.
- Evaluation of gender and lifespan influences on probiotic efficacy.
Main Results:
- Probiotics show potential therapeutic benefits for CNS conditions like anxiety, depression, autism, and Parkinson's disease.
- Gut microbiota influences CNS through neurotransmitter activity, vagal neurotransmission, and inflammatory mediators.
- Potential gender-specific variations in probiotic effects due to interactions with sex hormones like estrogens.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics offer potential beyond gut health, influencing the CNS via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
- Understanding gender and lifespan factors is crucial for personalized probiotic therapies.
- Further research can drive the development of novel, condition-specific probiotic agents.
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