Neuromodulation and the Gut–Brain Axis: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Implications for Gastrointestinal and Neurological Disorders

Abstract

The gut–brain axis (GBA) represents a complex, bidirectional communication network that intricately connects the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding and intervening in this axis opens a pathway for therapeutic advancements for neurological and gastrointestinal diseases where the GBA has been proposed to play a role in the pathophysiology. In light of this, the current review assesses the effectiveness of neuromodulation techniques in treating neurological and gastrointestinal disorders by modulating the GBA, involving key elements such as gut microbiota, neurotrophic factors, and proinflammatory cytokines. Through a comprehensive literature review encompassing PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, this research highlights the role played by the GBA in neurological and gastrointestinal diseases, in addition to the impact of neuromodulation on the management of these conditions which include both gastrointestinal (irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)) and neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and neuropsychiatric disorders). Despite existing challenges, the ability of neuromodulation to adjust disrupted neural pathways, alleviate pain, and mitigate inflammation is significant in improving the quality of life for patients, thereby offering exciting prospects for future advancements in patient care.

Gut Microbiome Interactions with Oxidative Stress: Mechanisms and Consequences for Health

“…OS is one of the key mechanisms in the development of many disorders [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], just as disturbances of the gut microbiome are associated with many and diverse human disease processes [ 13 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. The OS–microbiome interaction might be relevant to understanding and correcting various conditions.…”

“…The abnormalities in gut microbiome and OS development are identified in a variety of disease studies [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. These two system changes are being evaluated in inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver inflammation, acute pancreatitis, and osteoarthritis [ 13 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…The new concept of the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis presents a modern research area to investigate the pathological foundation of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease [ 28 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. The key concern of this concept is the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system [ 52 ].…”