review · Heliyon
The microbiota-gut-brain axis operates as a bidirectional communication network linking the brain and the gut through neural pathways, endocrinological mechanisms, and the immune system. Structural connections include sympathetic and parasympathetic fibres, the vagus nerve, and regulation via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Disruptions in the balance of gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, are linked to various neurological disorders including anxiety, depression, autism, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Such imbalances trigger neuroinflammation and microglial activation within the central nervous system, partly through the modulation of cytokines and chemokines. In addition, the microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids and other neuroactive compounds essential for central nervous system homeostasis. Synbiotics and dietary interventions demonstrate potential for reducing inflammation and supporting cognitive function, though comprehensive clinical trials remain necessary to confirm their therapeutic utility.
Understanding communication between the gut and the brain reveals how intestinal health influences mental and neurological wellbeing. Because microbial imbalances appear to drive inflammation and cognitive decline in conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, finding ways to adjust the gut microbiome offers an accessible, non-invasive avenue for supporting brain function and managing complex central nervous system disorders.
The findings highlight potential applications for developers of synbiotic supplements, functional foods, and targeted nutritional therapies aimed at cognitive support and neurodegenerative conditions. End users would include clinicians and patients managing conditions such as depression or Alzheimer's disease. However, the abstract notes that thorough clinical studies are still required, indicating that these therapeutic approaches remain in early-stage research rather than ready for immediate clinical deployment.
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The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) represents a sophisticated communication network between the brain and the gut, involving immunological, endocrinological, and neural mediators. This bidirectional interaction is facilitated through the vagus nerve, sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers, and is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Evidence shows that alterations in gut microbiota composition, or dysbiosis, significantly impact neurological disorders (NDs) like anxiety, depression, autism, Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Dysbiosis can affect the central nervous system (CNS) via neuroinflammation and microglial activation, highlighting the importance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) in disease pathogenesis. The microbiota influences the immune system by modulating chemokines and cytokines, impacting neuronal health. Synbiotics have shown promise in treating NDs by enhancing cognitive function and reducing inflammation. The gut microbiota's role in producing neurotransmitters and neuroactive compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), is critical for CNS homeostasis. Therapeutic interventions targeting the MGBA, including dietary modulation and synbiotic supplementation, offer potential benefits for managing neurodegenerative disorders. However, more in-depth clinical studies are necessary to fully understand and harness the therapeutic potential of the MGBA in neurological health and disease.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34092
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