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A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
The gut-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease: how gut microbiota modulate microglial function
Huan Wang1, Feifan Yang2, Zhejianyi Gao1
1College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that can be caused by multiple factors, such as abnormal amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, pathological changes in Tau protein, lipid metabolism disorders, and oxidative stress. Recent studies have revealed the potential link between gut microbiota and AD, particularly the impact of gut microbiota and its derivatives on microglia. As immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), microglia are involved in neuroinflammation and the regulation of cognitive function. Research indicates that the dysregulation of gut microbiota may affect the phenotype and function of microglia through various mechanisms, including direct metabolite action and indirect immune and neurotransmitter regulation. This article reviews the direct and indirect effects of gut microbiota and its derivatives on microglia, explores their role in the pathogenesis of AD, and discusses therapeutic strategies based on gut microbiota, such as dietary regulation, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and traditional Chinese medicine. Although existing studies have shown the potential of these interventions, further research is needed to completely understand their application in the treatment of AD.
Insights
The gut microbiome influences Alzheimer's disease (AD) by affecting microglia, the brain's immune cells. Modulating the gut microbiota offers potential therapeutic strategies for AD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis involves amyloid-beta, Tau pathology, and neuroinflammation.
- Microglia, the CNS immune cells, play a crucial role in AD-related neuroinflammation and cognitive function.
- Emerging evidence links gut microbiota dysregulation to AD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the direct and indirect effects of gut microbiota on microglia.
- To explore the role of gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
- To discuss gut microbiota-based therapeutic strategies for AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the gut microbiota-microglia axis in AD.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking gut microbiota to microglial phenotype and function.
- Synthesis of current therapeutic approaches targeting gut microbiota for AD.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota and its derivatives impact microglia through direct metabolite action and indirect immune/neurotransmitter regulation.
- Microglial dysregulation driven by gut microbiota contributes to neuroinflammation in AD.
- Therapeutic strategies include dietary interventions, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota-microglia axis is a significant factor in Alzheimer's disease.
- Targeting gut microbiota presents promising therapeutic avenues for AD.
- Further research is essential to fully elucidate and optimize these interventions for AD treatment.
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