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The potential role of mitochondria in the microbiota-gut-brain axis: Implications for brain health

Lei Qiao1, Ge Yang2, Peng Wang3

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.

Pharmacological Research
|September 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondria are vital for brain health, and the gut microbiota influences them via microbial metabolites. Optimizing mitochondrial function through gut-targeted therapies may prevent neurological diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mitochondria are essential organelles regulating cellular energy, calcium, and oxidative stress, impacting brain development and neurodegeneration.
  • The gut microbiota influences brain physiology and pathology via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
  • Emerging evidence highlights crosstalk between gut microbiota and mitochondrial function through microbial metabolites.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of mitochondria's role as mediators in the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
  • To explore how gut microbial metabolites influence mitochondrial functions in the brain.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria for brain health.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on the microbiota-gut-brain axis and mitochondrial function.
  • Analysis of how specific microbial metabolites (SCFAs, bile acids, etc.) impact mitochondrial processes.
  • Discussion of therapeutic interventions targeting mitochondrial fitness.

Main Results:

  • Gut microbial metabolites can cross the blood-brain barrier to modulate mitochondrial energy production, calcium regulation, mitophagy, and oxidative stress.
  • These metabolites affect mitochondrial activities in both neurons and glial cells.
  • Mitochondria are identified as critical mediators in the communication between the gut microbiota and the brain.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria play a pivotal role in mediating the effects of the gut microbiota on brain health and neurological diseases.
  • Targeting mitochondrial function via diet, prebiotics, probiotics, or microbial metabolites offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
  • Further research into microbiota-mitochondria interactions is crucial for understanding the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Keywords:
BrainGut microbiotaMicrobiota-gut-brain axisMitochondriaNeurodegenerative diseasesRedox processes

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