The microbiota–gut–brain axis and neurodevelopmental disorders

Abstract

The gut microbiota has been found to interact with the brain through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, regulating various physiological processes. In recent years, the impacts of the gut microbiota on neurodevelopment through this axis have been increasingly appreciated. The gut microbiota is commonly considered to regulate neurodevelopment through three pathways, the immune pathway, the neuronal pathway, and the endocrine/systemic pathway, with overlaps and crosstalks in between. Accumulating studies have identified the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Rett Syndrome. The major aims of this review are to, first of all, discuss the mechanisms of the microbial regulation of neurodevelopment alongside the aforementioned three pathways on both the molecular and systemic scales; and second of all, present evidence for the roles of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in various neurodevelopmental disorders, the underlying mechanisms, and the potential therapeutic methods. Finally, we discuss the current situation in the field and propose the paucity in the exploration of the specific mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Resveratrol Improves Hyperuricemia and Ameliorates Renal Injury by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

“…The gut microbiota is essential for maintaining host physiological function [34][35][36], and its dysregulation is closely related to metabolic diseases in humans [37,38], including UA metabolism and the occurrence and development of HUA [39,40]. It is known that the intestinal flora promotes the metabolism of purines and UA [41].…”

Children autism spectrum disorder and gut microbiota: A bibliometric and visual analysis from 2000 to 2023

“…The role of gut microbiota in children with ASD is related to intestinal barrier dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and microglial overactivation. [ 36 ] In particular, gut microbiota and their metabolites, such as neurotransmitters (dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric, serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine), [ 37 , 38 ] amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan), short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid), and phenol compounds, are important contributors. [ 39 – 41 ] Based on the previous studies, we can conclude that significant abnormalities in bacterial strain abundance and changes in bacterial metabolite levels may be markers for disease diagnosis and subsequent treatment in the future.…”

Short-chain Fatty Acids and Human Health: from Metabolic Pathways to Current Therapeutic Implication

“…This intricate system encompasses connections such as the enteric nervous system, vagus nerve, immune system, endocrine signals, microbiota, and metabolites. Disruption of communication along the gut-brain axis is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to neuroinflammation, which is considered a common feature of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, characterized by chronic and debilitating conditions marked by the progressive degeneration of neurons [189][190][191][192][193][194][195]. Recent research suggests that neurodegenerative diseases may originate in the intestinal epithelium before affecting the brain via the gut-brain axis [196][197][198][199][200][201].…”