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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
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Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice
Published on: June 2, 2022
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Gut feelings: the microbiota-gut-brain axis on steroids
Sik Yu So1, Tor C Savidge1,2
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Summary
This review explores how steroids impact the gut-brain axis, influencing both the central and enteric nervous systems. Gut microbes may play a key role in mediating these steroid signals, affecting gastrointestinal and neurological health.
Area of Science:
- Neurogastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- The gut-brain axis involves complex communication between the central and enteric nervous systems.
- Gut microbiota are increasingly recognized as key modulators of this axis.
- Steroids, particularly neuroactive steroids, are known to affect neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of steroids on enteric nervous system function.
- To explore the role of neuroactive steroids in gastrointestinal health and disease.
- To highlight the interplay between gut microbiota and steroid signaling in the gut-brain axis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on neuroactive steroids and the enteric nervous system.
- Analysis of steroid receptor interactions within the intestine.
- Examination of evidence linking gut microbiota to neuroactive steroid metabolism and signaling.
Main Results:
- Steroids modulate enteric nervous system function via various intestinal receptors.
- Neuroactive steroids are implicated in neurological conditions like dementia and depression.
- Gut microbiota may influence neuroactive steroid levels and signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Steroids significantly impact enteric nervous system function and gastrointestinal physiology.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of gut microbiota in steroid-mediated gut-brain communication.
- Targeting steroid signaling pathways, potentially influenced by the microbiome, may offer therapeutic strategies for gut-brain axis disorders.
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