Gut Microbiota's Impact on Neurological Health as The Gut-Brain Axis
Shivani Chib 1*, Loiy Elsir Ahmed Hassan 2, Saikat Mukherjee 3
Microbial Bioactives 7(1) 1-12 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.719375
Submitted: 22 November 2023 Revised: 05 January 2024 Published: 17 January 2024
Abstract
The Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) represents a dynamic and intricate bidirectional communication network that intertwines the gut and the brain. Studies reveal the significant influence of gut microbiota on the central nervous system and neurological health. In order to fully understand the basic connections between gut microbiota and brain health, this review will focus on the underlying processes, possible clinical consequences, and changing field of microbiome-based therapies. The gut microbiota, a diverse range of bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other microbes, is found in the human gut, which functions as a dynamic ecosystem. Despite being mostly recognized for their functions in nutrition metabolism and digestion, these microbes are increasingly important for controlling the central nervous system. Neuroactive substances, such as neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids, which are produced in large quantities by the gut microbiota, have a profound impact on behavior, mood, and cognitive performance. Furthermore, the "leaky gut" theory suggests that the immune system and gut microbiota interact, which has implications for a variety of neurological disorders, including neuroinflammatory illnesses. Probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have emerged as promising approaches to modify the gut microbiota’s composition and restore homeostasis in a range of neurological conditions. Emerging research suggests that these therapies may be beneficial for a variety of ailments, including anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.Personalized interventions are necessary due to the highly individualised link between gut microbiota and brain health. The precise mechanisms underpinning the influence of gut microbiota on CNS function continue to be an active area of research.
Keywords: Gut-Brain Axis, Microbiota, Neurological Health, Signaling Pathways, Microbiome-based Therapies
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