Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders with Psychiatric Symptoms: Involvement of the Microbiome–Gut–Brain Axis in the Pathophysiology and Case Management

Abstract

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders have been an important cause of poor life quality in affected populations. The unclear etiology and pathophysiological mechanism alter the clinical evolution of the patient. Although a strong connection with psychological stress has been observed, it was not until recently that the gut–brain axis involvement has been revealed. Furthermore, the current literature not only promotes the gut–brain axis modulation as a therapeutical target for functional digestive disorders but also states that the gut microbiome has a main role in this bi-directional mechanism. Psychiatric symptoms are currently recognized as an equally important aspect of the clinical manifestation and modulation of both the digestive and central nervous systems and could be the best approach in restoring the balance. As such, this article proposes a detailed description of the physiology of the microbiome–gut–brain axis, the pathophysiology of the functional gastrointestinal disorders with psychiatric symptoms and current perspectives for therapeutical management, as revealed by the latest studies in the scientific literature.

Variety of Serotonin Levels in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders

“…This correlation can be ascribed to the existence of discomfort, pain, and the challenge of controlling these symptoms. Numerous studies have underscored the pivotal role of the intestinal microbiome in addressing psychoanxiety disorders [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. Constipation is a prevalent issue in children with neurological disorders, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address the underlying mechanisms [37,38].…”

The social microbiome: The missing mechanism mediating the sociality-fitness nexus?

“…Recent studies of the complex interplay of the gut-skin-brain axis have highlighted, for instance, how GI microbiome dysbiosis can trigger skin disorders and how, in turn, skin conditions impact gut health in humans. 52 …”

From gut to skin: exploring the potential of natural products targeting microorganisms for atopic dermatitis treatment

“…113,118 Researchs have demonstrated that gut microbes mediate the effects of emotional and neurological states on the skin, confirming that microbes are an important element in the communication network of the gut-skin axis. 119,120 Gut microbes can also affect the function of the vagus nerve directly or indirectly through signaling molecules. These signal molecules include neuroactive metabolites produced by microbes, neurotransmitters, and cytokines released by microbes in the immune response.…”