Brain–Gut Relationship on Mucosal Inflammation in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) communicates with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through the so-called brain-gut axis and has impact on GI physiology and pathophysiology. Brain-gut axis is a bidirectional communication network, and through this axis the information from the gut to the brain may modify brain function and behavior. Several convincing data suggest that mental diseases as well as stress may play a central role in the development of gastric and activation of intestinal mucosal lesions and inflammation (e.g. inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs)). On the other hand, human and animal studies suggest that inflammatory processes in the GI system, particularly in the gut may trigger central changes. These may lead to altered brain function and comorbidity of psychological/psychiatric disorders. It has been recognized that changes in microbiome composition can be manifested in alterations of cognitive and emotional functions. This has significantly contributed to the establishment of a new concept from the well-accepted gut-brain axis to the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The present chapter aims to give an overview on the mechanisms potentially involved in the brain-gut and gut-brain axis as well as the microbiota-gut-brain pathway in mammals.