The link between gut microbiota and multiple sclerosis from the perspective of barrier function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• The gut microbiome's role in neurological diseases, particularly immune-mediated disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS), is gaining attention.
• The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system (CNS), involves key barriers like the gut and blood-brain barriers (BBB).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of gut-brain axis dysfunction on multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
• To emphasize the role of barrier function in the gut-brain axis concerning MS.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating the gut-brain axis and MS.
• Analysis of research on gut microbiota alterations, dysbiosis, and their effects on intestinal and CNS barrier integrity.

Main Results:

• Dysbiosis contributes to increased intestinal permeability and systemic immune responses affecting the CNS.
• Increased BBB permeability is a central mechanism in MS, with evidence of a "leaky" gut in MS patients and models.

Conclusions:

• The gut-brain axis is increasingly recognized for its critical role in MS pathogenesis.
• Alterations in gut microbiota and subsequent barrier dysfunction are significant factors in MS development and progression.