Towards Tailored Gut Microbiome-Based and Dietary Interventions for Promoting the Development and Maintenance of a Healthy Brain

Abstract

Mental health is determined by a complex interplay between the Neurological Exposome and the Human Genome. Multiple genetic and non-genetic (exposome) factors interact early in life, modulating the risk of developing the most common complex neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with potential long-term consequences on health. To date, the understating of the precise etiology underpinning these neurological alterations, and their clinical management pose a challenge. The crucial role played by diet and gut microbiota in brain development and functioning would indicate that modulating the gut-brain axis may help protect against the onset and progression of mental-health disorders. Some nutritional deficiencies and gut microbiota alterations have been linked to NDDs, suggesting their potential pathogenic implications. In addition, certain dietary interventions have emerged as promising alternatives or adjuvant strategies for improving the management of particular NDDs, at least in particular subsets of subjects. The gut microbiota can be a key to mediating the effects of other exposome factors such as diet on mental health, and ongoing research in Psychiatry and Neuropediatrics is developing Precision Nutrition Models to classify subjects according to a diet response prediction based on specific individual features, including microbiome signatures. Here, we review current scientific evidence for the impact of early life environmental factors, including diet, on gut microbiota and neuro-development, emphasizing the potential long-term consequences on health; and also summarize the state of the art regarding the mechanisms underlying diet and gut microbiota influence on the brain–gut axis. Furthermore, we describe the evidence supporting the key role played by gut microbiota, diet and nutrition in neurodevelopment, as well as the effectiveness of certain dietary and microbiome-based interventions aimed at preventing or treating NDDs. Finally, we emphasize the need for further research to gain greater insight into the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiome and brain development. Such knowledge would help towards achieving tailored integrative treatments, including personalized nutrition.

The Potential of Flavonoids and Flavonoid Metabolites in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Pathology in Disorders of Cognitive Decline

“…Gut bacteria also have crucial roles to play in the maintenance and regulation of the immune system, thus alterations in gut microbial cell populations may detrimentally affect neuro-immune interactions, synaptic plasticity, and regulation of skeletal muscle activity. This opens up the possibility of translational interventional studies in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and the emergence of psychobiotic programmes [ 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 ].…”

Gut Microbiome and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Link Yet to Be Disclosed

“…In one study, changes in viral populations were both directly and inversely linked with the development of pediatric type 1 diabetes [ 117 ]. In several other studies, virome signatures were associated with pediatric and adult inflammatory bowel disease [ 118 , 119 , 120 ]. The gut virome remains an increasingly identified and recognized factor contributing to health and homeostasis of the human CNS.…”

Severe cognitive decline in long-term care is related to gut microbiome production of metabolites involved in neurotransmission, immunomodulation, and autophagy

“…The copyright holder for this preprint this version posted March 8, 2023. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.03.06.23286878 doi: medRxiv preprint possibility that CI severity drives alterations in microbiome composition, mediated by factors such as dementia medications, changes in food preparation for those with dysphagia, and isolation to locked wards for residents with severe behavioural care needs, cannot be excluded based on the current analysis. Indeed, changes in behaviour associated with psychiatric conditions in other contexts, particularly those relating to diet, have been shown to contribute to disease-specific gut microbiome markers (Larroya et al, 2021).…”