[Research progress on the mechanism of acupuncture based on microbiota-gut-brain axis]

Microbiota-gut-brain axis refers to a bidirectional pathway between gut microbiota and the central nervous systems via neural, immune, endocrine and metabolic pathways, and its dysfunction is the crucial factor implicated in many diseases. Acupuncture adjusts the microbiota-gut-brain axis through regulating the structure and metabolic state of gut microbiota, improving the intestinal microenvironment, restoring the stability of intestinal mucosal barrier and blood-brain barrier, stimulating vagus nerve, reducing inflammation and modulating neurotransmitters, so that nervous system diseases, mental diseases, digestive system diseases and metabolic diseases can be treated. With the latest research trends and the cutting-edge technologies considered, the studies in the future should deepen the mechanism of acupuncture on the physiological pathway for modulating the structure and composition of gut microbiota as well as its holistic elaboration.