Microbiota and Neuropeptides in Dysbiosis-Driven Inflammation: Emerging Therapeutic Perspectives

The gut microbiota (GM) comprises diverse microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and play crucial roles in maintaining the host's health. The fascinating interrelations between the GM and various organs lead to establishing the "gut-organ" axis, including the gut-thyroid axis, an emerging research area that requires exploration. Changes in diversity and functionality of GM (dysbiosis) may impact the gut locally and significantly affect other organs, raising concerns about potential systemic effects.

We performed a literature search on PubMed/Google-Scholar using the keywords GM and: autoimmune-diseases/inflammation/dietary-supplements/neuropeptides. The search included original studies/reviews/meta-analyses.

Dysbiosis is correlated with many diseases, where alterations in gut-associated neuropeptide levels have been detected. Gut-neuropeptides, secreted by entero-endocrine-cells, are potent neuro-immune modulators, regulate GM homeostasis through antimicrobial and inflammation-modulating properties, and serve as a communication intermediary between GM and host. This review offers a concise overview of the association between GM and neuropeptides, and the roles of microbial metabolites and GIT-neuropeptides during inflammation and stress.