Microbiota-gut brain axis involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders

Abstract

Microbiota-gut brain axis involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders Background The microbiota-gut brain (MGB) axis is the bidirectional communication between the intestinal microbiota and the brain. An increasing body of preclinical and clinical evidence has revealed that the complex gut microbial ecosystem can affect neuropsychiatric health. However, there is still a need of further studies to elucidate the complex gene-environment interactions and the role of the MGB axis in neuropsychiatric diseases, with the aim of identifying biomarkers and new therapeutic targets, to allow early diagnosis and improving treatments. Areas covered To review the role of MGB axis in neuropsychiatric disorders, prediction and prevention of disease through exploitation, integration and combination of data from existing gut microbiome/microbiota projects and appropriate other International "-Omics" studies. We also evaluated the new technological advances to investigate the microbiome and evidence-based treatment modulating the gut microbiota through nutritional and other interventions. Expert Opinion The clinical studies have documented an association between alterations in gut microbiota composition and/or function, whereas the preclinical studies support a role for the gut microbiota in impacting behaviours which are of relevance to psychiatry and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Targeting MGB axis could be an additional approach for treating CNS disorders and all conditions in which alterations of the gut microbiota are involved.

Gut microbiota and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: i can feel it in the belly

“…Recent research has shown that variations in the gut microbiome may influence behavior, and vice versa [3,4] that may support dysfunction at the level of arousal tolerance, cognitiveemotional information processing and volitional control reported in PNES [5]. Accordingly, we agree that patients with PNES may have colonization of harmful microbiome in their gut with potential therapeutic implications and eventually opening new horizons in understanding the neurobiological origin of this condition.…”

“…As suggested in the comment letter, it could be also worthy to investigate the effects of consumption of a probiotic combination for PNES treatment. However, it is crucial to avoid methodological flaws in design and execution of such study and to have a careful assessment of the several variables known to affect the gut microbiome, including inflammation, diet, weight, and medications [4,6]. On the other hand, it is critical the development of international large-scale collaborative efforts, e.g.…”

Acetate supplementation rescues social deficits and alters transcriptional regulation in prefrontal cortex of Shank3 deficient mice

“…1). Greater than 90% of the mammalian microbiome is comprised of bacteria from the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, and changes in the ratio of these phyla are thought to be an important marker of microbiome dysregulation 48 .…”

Gut microbiota and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures; are they related?

“…We read with interest the article by Dr. Iannone et al entitled: 'Microbiota-gut brain axis involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders.' [1] We enjoyed this article and would like to add to it by hypothesizing that there is an association between abnormal emotional processing in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and gut microbiota; patients with PNES may have unhealthy gut microbial composition. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures are a relatively common reason why patients attend epilepsy clinics [2].…”

“…It has been speculated that patients with PNES may process their emotional and cognitive information inconsistently and within a limited range of options [3]. On the other hand, alterations in bidirectional gut-brain interactions are implicated in brain disorders [1]. Alterations in gut microbiota have also been associated with marked changes in behaviors relevant to mood and cognition, suggesting the critical importance of the bidirectional pathway of communication between gut microbiota and brain in health and disease [4].…”