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Brain-Gut Communication in Crohn's Disease: Insights From MRI Into Psychological Problems
Yu Yin1, Mengqiu Ma2, Heng Liu2
1Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|July 4, 2025
Summary
Crohn's disease (CD) patients often experience anxiety and depression, impacting brain structure and function. Multimodal MRI reveals gut-brain axis alterations, offering insights into personalized treatment for this chronic inflammatory bowel disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurogastroenterology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
- Neuroimaging Applications
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder with unknown causes, frequently associated with psychological comorbidities like anxiety and depression.
- The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in CD pathogenesis, but the interplay between psychological factors and intestinal inflammation requires further investigation.
- Existing research suggests a significant impact of CD-related psychological issues on the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest applications of multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Crohn's disease research, focusing on psychological comorbidities.
- To explore the regulatory mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis in the context of CD and its neurobiological correlates.
- To discuss emerging research directions and the translational potential of neuroimaging in managing CD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies utilizing multimodal MRI technologies in Crohn's disease patients with psychological comorbidities.
- Analysis of findings related to structural and functional brain changes, including gray matter volume (GMV) and functional connectivity (FC).
- Integration of evidence based on the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Multimodal MRI has identified significant structural and functional brain alterations in CD patients, such as reduced GMV and abnormal FC.
- Consistent changes are observed in brain regions including the anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and insula across various MRI modalities.
- These neuroimaging findings underscore the profound effects of psychological comorbidities on the brain in CD.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging techniques, particularly multimodal MRI, offer valuable insights into the brain alterations associated with psychological comorbidities in Crohn's disease.
- Understanding the MGB axis and associated neurobiological changes can guide the development of personalized treatment strategies.
- Further research in neuroimaging holds significant potential for improving patient outcomes in CD management.
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