The intercommunication between the central nervous system and the digestive system and its contribution to mental health status FrontiersIn FrontMedicine nervoussystem brain digestivesystem gut gutbrainaxis mentalhealth health
By Bhavana KunkalikarApr 3 2023Reviewed by Danielle Ellis, B.Sc. In a recent study published in the Frontiers in Medicine, researchers presented a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between gut microbiota and neurological as well as psychiatric disorders.
Dietary factors play a critical role in promoting overall health and well-being. The inherent human feeding pattern is subject to the influence of cultural, religious, and societal factors. The consumption of a high-fat diet , which primarily consists of saturated and/or trans fats, has been found to alter the composition of the microbiota.
Currently, MDD is commonly managed through the administration of antidepressants. These medications work by increasing the densities of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft and inhibiting the corresponding brain transporters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. The transporters and receptors implicated in depression have been identified in the gastrointestinal tract, which is closely interconnected or modulated by the gut microbiota.
The onset of various psychiatric disorders is associated with the intersection of dysfunctions in both the amygdala and microbiota. The gastrointestinal tract inflammation prompts the release of cytokines that are pro-inflammatory in nature. The escalation of tumor necrosis factor -α and interleukin 6 cytokines is directly associated with the manifestation of anxiety-like symptoms.
Autism The severity of autism is closely linked to the gut microbiota, which is considered among the most significant contributing factors. The modification of gut microbiota caused by medication, antibiotic treatments, or insufficient nourishment is strongly associated with atypical emotional behavior and neurological dysfunction, which can lead to the onset of Autism Spectrum Disorder .