Probiotics drive gut microbiome triggering emotional brain signatures

Abstract

Experimental manipulation of the gut microbiome was found to modify emotional and cognitive behavior, neurotransmitter expression and brain function in rodents, but corresponding human data remain scarce. The present double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study aimed at investigating the effects of 4 weeks’ probiotic administration on behavior, brain function and gut microbial composition in healthy volunteers. Forty-five healthy participants divided equally into three groups (probiotic, placebo and no intervention) underwent functional MRI (emotional decision-making and emotional recognition memory tasks). In addition, stool samples were collected to investigate the gut microbial composition. Probiotic administration for 4 weeks was associated with changes in brain activation patterns in response to emotional memory and emotional decision-making tasks, which were also accompanied by subtle shifts in gut microbiome profile. Microbiome composition mirrored self-reported behavioral measures and memory performance. This is the first study reporting a distinct influence of probiotic administration at behavioral, neural, and microbiome levels at the same time in healthy volunteers. The findings provide a basis for future investigations into the role of the gut microbiota and potential therapeutic application of probiotics.

In vivo safety assessment of Lactobacillus fermentum strains, evaluation of their cholesterol‐lowering ability and intestinal microbial modulation

“…The human gut microbiota is a complex community and is important for the health status of the host . Alterations in the gut microbiota and diet have been found to be associated with the pathogenesis of several human diseases .…”

“…The human gut microbiota is a complex community and is important for the health status of the host. [33][34][35] Alterations in the gut microbiota and diet have been found to be associated with the pathogenesis of several human diseases. [36][37][38][39][40] Probiotic supplementation has been found to be associated with improvements in health and the intestinal microbial composition, 24,41 and the supplementation of L. fermentum has been shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota in piglets.…”

Efficacy of Using Probiotics with Antagonistic Activity against Pathogens of Wound Infections: An Integrative Review of Literature

“…Revolutionary discoveries about the importance of the human microbiome for human health have also accelerated further development of the probiotic sector. Scientific evidence of probiotic benefits on human health is continuously expanding, and there are enough data to justify investigation of probiotics for treatment or prevention of several disorders from antibiotic and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease to anxiety, depression, and wound healing [9][10][11][12]. e phrase "when administered," in the definition of probiotics, can refer to the application of probiotics into the gut as well as on other sites (e.g., skin and vagina).…”

Melatonin mediates mucosal immune cells, microbial metabolism, and rhythm crosstalk: A therapeutic target to reduce intestinal inflammation

“…Furthermore, although it had been known the substantial role of microorganisms in intestinal diseases, how melatonin involved in the interaction between the host and commensal bacteria in the gut was still unclear in the past. Considering that melatonin is both aqueous and lipid soluble and can pass through all cell barriers, including cell membranes and blood‐brain barriers, melatonin is possibly an endocrine transmission signal from commensal microbes and may serve as a “meta‐organism” responding to the host . Through these means, melatonin can affect the molecular clock of microbes, regulate the rhythm of microbial metabolites, and also affect the host immune function .…”