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Updated: Jul 9, 2025

A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
The Interplay Between Gut Microbiota and Central Nervous System
Teresa Gervasi1, Giuseppina Mandalari2
1Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina 98166, Italy.
The gut-brain axis involves bidirectional communication, with oxidative stress and alcohol impacting neurodegenerative disorders. Psychobiotics show promise for managing alcohol-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The gut microbiota communicates with the central nervous system via neural, endocrine, and immune pathways.
- The brain influences gut microbiota composition and function through the autonomic nervous system and neurotransmitters.
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in gut-brain axis dysregulation and neurodegenerative disorders.
Approach:
- This review examines the interplay between the gut microbiota and the brain.
- It explores how factors like alcohol affect the gut-brain axis and oxidative stress.
- The potential of psychobiotics as a therapeutic strategy is investigated.
Key Points:
- Alcohol negatively impacts the central nervous system and gut microbiota.
- Gut-brain axis dysregulation, influenced by oxidative stress, contributes to neurodegenerative diseases.
- Psychobiotics may offer a novel approach to counteract alcohol-induced neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial for neurodegenerative disorder research.
- Alcohol's detrimental effects on this axis highlight the need for targeted interventions.
- Psychobiotics represent a promising avenue for preventing and treating alcohol-related neurological issues.
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