Targeting gut microbiota as a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases

Recent evidence suggests a more important role of the gut microbiota in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) given its relationship through the microbiota-gut-brain as an active communication system aiding in maintaining homeostasis between the brain and the gut. This review focuses on how modulation of gut microbiota can serves as a therapeutic strategy for NDDs, emphasizing the neuroprotective effects of probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits, and their interaction with gut-microbiota influences neurogenesis, neurotransmitter regulation, and neuroinflammation. Recent advancements, including germ-free animal models, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and diverse probiotic strains, have revealed the underlying mechanisms linking gut health to brain function. Notably, several Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species have been shown to exert neuroprotective effects via the upregulation of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and enhancing mitochondrial function through reducing the impacts of oxidative stress. Interestingly, FMT has exhibited a degree of success in overcoming cognitive impairment and motor deficits in preclinical studies and clinical trials. However, further research is warranted to explore its therapeutic potential in humans. Overall, this review highlights the significant role of gut microbiota in NDDs and advocates for gut-targeted interventions as innovative approaches to mitigate these diseases.