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Updated: Jul 15, 2025
07:29
Real-time Analysis of Gut-brain Neural Communication: Cortex wide Calcium Dynamics in Response to Intestinal Glucose Stimulation
Published on: December 29, 2023
681
Neuroactive Steroid-Gut Microbiota Interaction in T2DM Diabetic Encephalopathy
Silvia Diviccaro1, Lucia Cioffi1, Rocco Piazza2
1Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Biomolecules
|September 28, 2023
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) impairs memory and brain function. This study links T2DM-related memory deficits in rats to altered neuroactive steroids, like allopregnanolone, and gut microbiome changes, suggesting new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
- The impact of T2DM on neuroactive steroids and the gut microbiome in brain pathophysiology is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of T2DM on memory, neuroactive steroids, hippocampal function, and gut microbiome composition in male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the novel object recognition test for memory assessment.
- Measured neuroactive steroid levels using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
- Analyzed hippocampal parameters via molecular assessments and gut microbiome composition using 16S next-generation sequencing.
Main Results:
- T2DM exacerbated memory impairment, correlating with increased plasma corticosterone and decreased hippocampal allopregnanolone.
- Observed neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus.
- Identified specific gut microbial taxa associated with memory deficits and altered neuroactive steroid levels.
Conclusions:
- T2DM significantly impacts cognitive function through alterations in neuroactive steroids and the gut microbiome.
- Allopregnanolone and specific gut microbiota may serve as potential therapeutic targets for T2DM-related neurological complications.
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