On communication between gut microbes and the brain
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Interest in the microbiota-gut-brain axis is increasing apace and what was, not so long ago, a hypothetical relationship is emerging as a potentially critical factor in the regulation of intestinal and mental health. Studies are now addressing the neural circuitry and mechanisms underlying the influence of gut bacteria on the central nervous system and behavior. RECENT FINDINGS: Gut bacteria influence development of the central nervous systems (CNS) and stress responses. In adult animals, the overall composition of the microbiota or exposure to specific bacterial strains can modulate neural function, peripherally and centrally. Gut bacteria can provide protection from the central effects of infection and inflammation as well as modulate normal behavioral responses. Behavioral effects described to date are largely related to stress and anxiety and an altered hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis response is a common observation in many model systems. The vagus nerve has also emerged as an important means of communicating signals from gut microbes to the CNS. SUMMARY: Studies of microbiota-gut-brain communication are providing us with a deeper understanding of the relationship between the gut bacteria and their hosts while also suggesting the potential for microbial-based therapeutic strategies that may aid in the treatment of mood disorders.
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A link between steroid hormones and gut microbiota has been implicated by the observation that altered gut microbiota can lead to substantial shifts in the HPA axis response to stress.
“For instance, a link between steroid hormones and gut microbiota has been implicated by the observation that altered gut microbiota can lead to substantial shifts in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to stress.33”
From Using Corticosteroids to Reshape the Gut Microbiome: Implications for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (2015) · cites this paper as [33]
Intestinal microbes have a considerable role in the pathogenesis of IBD.
“Previous studies have reported a multitude of genetic polymorphisms that either increase or lower the risk of developing IBD,30 while others have demonstrated a considerable role for intestinal microbes in their pathogenesis.1,31,32”
From Using Corticosteroids to Reshape the Gut Microbiome: Implications for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (2015) · cites this paper as [31]
Gut bacteria and their secretions influence neuronal excitation in the enteric nervous system, regulating gut motility and sensory afferent signaling to the brain.
“Gut bacteria and their secretions influence neuronal excitation in the enteric nervous system (ENS), regulating both gut motility and sensory afferent signaling to the brain.134”
From The Gut Microbiome and the Brain (2014) · cites this paper as [134]
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- Authors
- Forsythe, P., Kunze, W. A., & Bienenstock, J.
- Affiliations
- McMaster University (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Forsythe, Paul
- Venue
- Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
- Published
- 2012-11
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 557-562
- ISSN
- 0267-1379 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2085416352
- Cited by
- 137
- References
- 45
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 14
- FWCI
- 1.14
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Current Opinion in Gastroenterology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
- Keywords
- microbiota-gut-brain axis, gut microbiota, central nervous system, stress response, anxiety, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, vagus nerve, neuroinflammation, mood disorders
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Behavior, Mental Disorders, Central Nervous System, Humans, Peripheral Nervous System, Gastrointestinal Tract, Metagenome
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