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Towards Tailored Gut Microbiome-Based and Dietary Interventions for Promoting the Development and Maintenance of a Healthy Brain.
Larroya, A, Pantoja, J, CodoƱer-Franch, P, Cenit, MC
Frontiers in pediatrics. 2021;9:705859
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The cause of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is complex and multifactorial. Recent studies have indicated that early life disturbances of the gut microbiome can impact neurodevelopment, suggesting this critical window may play a key role in the prevention or progression of neurological disease. The growing field of personalized nutrition works on the basis of tailored dietary intervention strategies that consider individual variability based on genetics, diet, and the environment. The aim of this paper is to review the current evidence on the neurodevelopmental interaction between the gut microbiota, environment and host, and assess the efficacy of tailored, personalized nutrition interventions aimed at preventing or treating NDDs. The literature provides evidence that the gut microbiota is susceptible to influence by various factors early in life, and the health of the microbiome may modulate mental health consequences later in life. Additionally, key nutritional deficiencies and microbiome alterations have been linked to NDDs, suggesting potential markers that may lead to improved prevention and treatment. Based on the current literature, the authors emphasize the need for further research during the critical window of microbiome development in order to target the cause of neurodevelopmental impairments. They suggest these findings could help progress the field of Nutritional Psychiatry towards effective tailored nutrition and personalized medicine.
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.
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The role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Generoso, JS, Giridharan, VV, Lee, J, Macedo, D, Barichello, T
Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999). 2021;43(3):293-305
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Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota have been shown to influence mood and behaviour via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and there is increased interest in better understanding this interaction in the context of mental health. This review summarises the evidence around the influence of gut microbiota in various neuropsychiatric disorders, primarily focusing on the metabolic pathways that originate in the gut microbiota. Current research highlights an association between gut microbiota metabolites with neuropsychiatric disorders and that probiotics demonstrate a significant therapeutic role in many of these disorders. Based on the current literature, the authors conclude it is crucial to better understand the complex microbiota-host interaction in health and disease, leading to more targeted and improved therapeutic interventions.
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional signaling mechanism between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. The complexity of the intestinal ecosystem is extraordinary; it comprises more than 100 trillion microbial cells that inhabit the small and large intestine, and this interaction between microbiota and intestinal epithelium can cause physiological changes in the brain and influence mood and behavior. Currently, there has been an emphasis on how such interactions affect mental health. Evidence indicates that intestinal microbiota are involved in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review covers evidence for the influence of gut microbiota on the brain and behavior in Alzheimer disease, dementia, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. The primary focus is on the pathways involved in intestinal metabolites of microbial origin, including short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites, and bacterial components that can activate the host's immune system. We also list clinical evidence regarding prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation as adjuvant therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Gut Microbiota and Pathophysiology of Depressive Disorder.
Kunugi, H
Annals of nutrition & metabolism. 2021;77 Suppl 2:11-20
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Bidirectional communication between the brain and gastrointestinal tract has been established and evidence suggests the microbiota-gut-brain axis may play a role in many psychiatric diseases, including major depression disorder (MDD). Although there is currently no established biochemical marker used in the clinical setting, recent findings have identified four potential mechanisms underlying MDD. The aim of this review is to outline these mechanisms and summarise the current evidence related to the pathophysiology of MDD. The literature suggests the gut microbiota impacts each of the potential mechanisms in the pathophysiology of MDD, and recent clinical trials on probiotics indicate beneficial effects on depression symptoms. Based on these results, the author concludes that practices leading to a healthier gut microbiota may aid in the reduction of depression symptoms. Future research on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in MDD is a promising avenue for better understanding the pathophysiology of disease and developing improved treatments for MDD.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence has suggested that the bi-directional communication pathway, the microbiota-gut-brain axis, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric diseases including major depressive disorder (MDD). This review outlines current evidence and promising findings related to the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD. SUMMARY There are at least 4 key biological molecules/systems underlying the pathophysiology of MDD: central dopamine, stress responses by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system, inflammation, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Animal experiments in several depression models have clearly indicated that gut microbiota is closely related to these molecules/systems and administration of probiotics and prebitotics may have beneficial effects on them. Although the results of microbiota profile of MDD patients varied from a study to another, multiple studies reported that bacteria which produce short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate and those protective against metabolic diseases (e.g., Bacteroidetes) were reduced. Clinical trials of probiotics have emerged, and the majority of the studies have reported beneficial effects on depression symptoms and related biological markers. Key Messages: The accumulating evidence suggests that research on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in major depressive disorder (MDD) is promising to elucidate the pathophysiology and to develop novel treatment of MDD, although there is still a long distance yet to reach the goals.