The gut microbiota-brain axis in neurological disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) describes bidirectional communication between gut microbes and the brain.
• This axis impacts nervous system development, emotional regulation, and cognition via immune and metabolic pathways.
• Gut microbiota composition is influenced by diet, lifestyle, and genetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of gut microbiota in neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and mood disorders.
• To discuss current and preclinical gut microbe-based interventions.
• To identify gaps in research and propose future directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on gut microbiota and neurological disorders.
• Analysis of clinical and preclinical interventions targeting the gut microbiota.
• Synthesis of findings to highlight research needs.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota is implicated in autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, anxiety, and depression.
• Interventions like probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation show therapeutic potential.
• Significant heterogeneity exists in gut microbiota, with specific strains and metabolites requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota plays a significant role in various neurological and mood disorders.
• Gut microbe-based interventions offer promising therapeutic strategies.
• Further research is needed to elucidate specific microbial mechanisms and optimize interventions for neurological conditions.