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Effects of Probiotics on Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
He, X, Liu, W, Tang, F, Chen, X, Song, G
Nutrients. 2023;15(6)
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain and is characterized by a series of neurodevelopmental disorders, including language and social disorders, restricted interests, and repetitive stereotyped activities. The aim of this study was to explore whether probiotics could improve the overall severity of ASD symptoms in children. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of seven studies. Results showed that probiotic supplementation did not improve the associated behavioural symptoms in children with ASD. However, multiple-strain probiotic blend intervention exhibited a positive therapeutic effect on children with ASD and was more effective than single-strain probiotics in subgroup analyses. Authors concluded that to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of probiotics on children with ASD, randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled studies following strict trial guidelines are needed.
Abstract
Many studies have explored the efficacy of probiotics on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, but there is no consensus on the curative effect. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively investigate whether probiotics could improve behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. A systematic database search was conducted and a total of seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. We found a nonsignificant overall effect size of probiotics on behavioral symptoms in children with ASD (SMD = -0.24, 95% CI: -0.60 to 0.11, p = 0.18). However, a significant overall effect size was found in the subgroup of the probiotic blend (SMD = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.83 to -0.02, p = 0.04). Additionally, these studies provided limited evidence for the efficacy of probiotics due to their small sample sizes, a shorter intervention duration, different probiotics used, different scales used, and poor research quality. Thus, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled studies following strict trial guidelines are needed to precisely demonstrate the therapeutic effects of probiotics on ASD in children.
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Polyphenol Intake in Pregnant Women on Gestational Diabetes Risk and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: A Systematic Review.
Salinas-Roca, B, Rubió-Piqué, L, Montull-López, A
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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In Europe, gestational diabetes affects approximately 10.9% of pregnant women. According to previous research, the cardiometabolic health of the mother and the mother's dietary habits during pregnancy may affect the foetus' neurodevelopment. Taking polyphenol supplements and eating foods rich in polyphenols is beneficial for promoting health across generations. In this systematic review, fourteen studies were included in order to evaluate the effects of polyphenols on gestational diabetes and mental health in the offspring. A higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental diseases in offspring is associated with gestational diabetes. The results of this systematic review revealed that polyphenol intake during pregnancy might have a beneficial effect on improving cardiometabolic health, reducing inflammation, DNA methylation and oxidative stress, thus reducing the risk of developing fetal neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorders. There is a need for further robust research, as the existing evidence regarding the safety of long-term polyphenol supplementation and its effects on gestational diabetes and fetal neurodevelopment is very limited. In spite of this, healthcare professionals can use the findings of this systematic review to learn more about the positive health benefits of polyphenols in pregnant women.
Abstract
The intake of foods containing polyphenols can have a protective role to avoid comorbidities during pregnancy and, at the same time, promote transgenerational health. This review aims to describe the effect of polyphenol intake through supplements or polyphenol-rich foods during pregnancy on the incidence and evolution of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as the link with the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Using PRISMA procedures, a systematic review was conducted by searching in biomedical databases (PubMed, Cinahl and Scopus) from January to June 2022. Full articles were screened (n = 419) and critically appraised. Fourteen studies were selected and were divided into two different thematic blocks considering (i) the effect of polyphenols in GDM and (ii) the effect of GDM to mental disorders in the offspring. A positive relationship was observed between the intake of polyphenols and the prevention and control of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, such as GDM, which could be related to thwarted inflammatory and oxidative processes, as well as neuronal factors. GDM is related to a greater risk of suffering from diseases related to neurodevelopment, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning disorder. Further clinical research on the molecule protective mechanism of polyphenols on pregnant women is required to understand the transgenerational impact on fetal neurodevelopment.
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Relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pesticides: A Systematic Review of Human and Preclinical Models.
Biosca-Brull, J, Pérez-Fernández, C, Mora, S, Carrillo, B, Pinos, H, Conejo, NM, Collado, P, Arias, JL, Martín-Sánchez, F, Sánchez-Santed, F, et al
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2021;18(10)
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by neurodevelopmental differences in the brain that manifest in divergent social and communicative abilities and stereotyped behaviours. The prevalence of ASD diagnoses has risen sharply in recent years, possibly due to changes in diagnostics criteria, but this does not fully explain the increase. ASD has known genetic predispositions, but vulnerability factors, such as influences from the external environment, are thought to influence the development of the condition. Exposure to pesticides has been of interest here, as both human and rodent studies have demonstrated links between certain pesticides and ASD-like behaviours and diagnosis. This systematic review sought to summarize current knowledge from preclinical and epidemiological studies. It included 45 human and 16 preclinical studies from animal models, focusing on Organophosphates, Organochlorine, Pyrethroid, Neonicotinoid, Carbamate, and exposure to mixed pesticides. The anayisis yielded no clear conclusion as the complexity of influencing factors made the studies hard to summarize. I.e. different types of pesticides, exposure duration, exposure routes and methodologies used in the various studies. Another problem highlighted by the author is that it is impossible to look at pesticide exposure in isolation as it always co-exists with other factors that may be harmful or beneficial for the development of the nervous system. Such as lifestyle, socioeconomics, educational status, ethnicity, gender or genetics. However, evidence suggests that some compounds like Organophosphates, Organochlorine and Pyrethroid appear to have an impact on cognitive and behavioural functions in children following exposure. Yet, further clinical research is needed to draw firm conclusions on pesticide exposures in humans and ASD in general. Overall this review yields a comprehensive overview of various pesticides and their evidence on ASD. Whilst awaiting further research more solid conclusions may be drawn by focusing on specific compounds and their existing research
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex set of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by impoverished social and communicative abilities and stereotyped behaviors. Although its genetic basis is unquestionable, the involvement of environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides has also been proposed. Despite the systematic analyses of this relationship in humans, there are no specific reviews including both human and preclinical models. The present systematic review summarizes, analyzes, and discusses recent advances in preclinical and epidemiological studies. We included 45 human and 16 preclinical studies. These studies focused on Organophosphates (OP), Organochlorine (OC), Pyrethroid (PT), Neonicotinoid (NN), Carbamate (CM), and mixed exposures. Preclinical studies, where the OP Chlorpyrifos (CPF) compound is the one most studied, pointed to an association between gestational exposure and increased ASD-like behaviors, although the data are inconclusive with regard to other ages or pesticides. Studies in humans focused on prenatal exposure to OP and OC agents, and report cognitive and behavioral alterations related to ASD symptomatology. The results of both suggest that gestational exposure to certain OP agents could be linked to the clinical signs of ASD. Future experimental studies should focus on extending the analysis of ASD-like behaviors in preclinical models and include exposure patterns similar to those observed in human studies.
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Gluten and FODMAPs Relationship with Mental Disorders: Systematic Review.
Aranburu, E, Matias, S, Simón, E, Larretxi, I, Martínez, O, Bustamante, MÁ, Fernández-Gil, MDP, Miranda, J
Nutrients. 2021;13(6)
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There is growing evidence that gluten and FODMAPs, such as fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammation, and immune responses in patients with celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, a high intake of gluten and FODMAPs may also be associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review to examine the relationship between gluten and FODMAP consumption and illnesses affecting the central nervous system. In addition, the studies examined the effects of potential dietary strategies that consider gluten and FODMAP intake on mental disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism spectrum disorders. Several possible mechanisms identified in this systematic review could contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders, including the release of proinflammatory cytokines, immune responses, gut dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, and interactions between the gut-brain axis. In patients with fibromyalgia, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome, avoiding or limiting gluten may reduce depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. However, the effects of a low-FODMAP diet on the central nervous system are inconclusive. There is some evidence that gluten-free diets can improve cognition in schizophrenia patients. In addition, those with autism spectrum disorders may benefit from a gluten-free diet and a low-FODMAP diet. Further robust research is required to evaluate the beneficial effects of interventions that avoid or restrict the consumption of foods high in FODMAPs and gluten. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this systematic review to understand the potential benefits of therapeutic interventions that consider the intake of FODMAPs and gluten on illnesses affecting the central nervous system and their possible mechanisms of action.
Abstract
Nowadays, gluten and FODMAP food components (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) are increasingly studied due to their possible relation with extraintestinal-associated conditions. In recent years, gluten-free diets (GFD) and low-FODMAP diets (LFD) are becoming more popular not only in order to avoid the food components that cause intolerances or allergies in some people, but also due to the direct influence of marketing movements or diet trends on feeding habits. Likewise, neurological and psychiatric diseases are currently of increasing importance in developed countries. For this reason, a bibliographic systematic review has been carried out to analyse whether there is a pathophysiological relationship between the dietary intake of gluten or FODMAPs with mental disorders. This review collects 13 clinical and randomized controlled trials, based on the PRISMA statement, which have been published in the last ten years. Based on these results, limiting or ruling out gluten or FODMAPs in the diet might be beneficial for symptoms such as depression, anxiety (7 out of 7 articles found any positive effect), or cognition deficiency (improvements in several cognition test measurements in one trial), and to a lesser extent for schizophrenia and the autism spectrum. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to obtain completely reliable conclusions.
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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, Codoñer-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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Mental Disorders Linked to Crosstalk between The Gut Microbiome and The Brain.
Choi, TY, Choi, YP, Koo, JW
Experimental neurobiology. 2020;29(6):403-416
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The gut microbiome may have a role in regular brain function and mental health and this review paper aimed to determine the mechanisms through which this may be possible. There are several mental health disorders that may be affected by the gut microbiome, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and addiction. It appears that there is a correlation between a disordered gut microbiome (known as dysbiosis) and MDD, ASD and addiction. Anxiety symptoms in healthy individuals and cognitive deficits in individuals with AD have reportedly been improved with probiotics. How the gut microbiome communicates with the brain was also discussed with the enteric nervous system, vagus nerve, spinal chord, immune system and brain signalling molecules all being implicated as possible routes. Finally, the paper discussed the use of probiotics for the prevention or treatment of mental disorders, with Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and specifically L. reuteri, L. plantarum and L. helveticus all shown in animal models to improve aspects associated with mental disorders. Amongst the human research B. longum has been shown to relieve stress and increase cognitive function in healthy individuals. It was concluded that studies have elucidated a relationship between the gut microbiome and mental health through various routes of communication. Research should focus on how gut microbiome changes are involved in mental illness. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to further knowledge on the potential relationship between the gut microbiome and mental health.
Abstract
Often called the second brain, the gut communicates extensively with the brain and vice versa. The conversation between these two organs affects a variety of physiological mechanisms that are associated with our mental health. Over the past decade, a growing body of evidence has suggested that the gut microbiome builds a unique ecosystem inside the gastrointestinal tract to maintain the homeostasis and that compositional changes in the gut microbiome are highly correlated with several mental disorders. There are ongoing efforts to treat or prevent mental disorders by regulating the gut microbiome using probiotics. These attempts are based on the seminal findings that probiotics can control the gut microbiome and affect mental conditions. However, some issues have yet to be conclusively addressed, especially the causality between the gut microbiome and mental disorders. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome affects mental health and diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the potential use of probiotics as therapeutic agents for psychiatric disorders.
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The Gut Microbiome and Mental Health: What Should We Tell Our Patients?: Le microbiote Intestinal et la Santé Mentale : que Devrions-Nous dire à nos Patients?
Butler, MI, Mörkl, S, Sandhu, KV, Cryan, JF, Dinan, TG
Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie. 2019;64(11):747-760
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The gut-brain axis is the bi-directional communication pathway and increasing evidence indicates its impact in neural health and disease. With the field of nutritional psychiatry actively developing, psychiatric patients have become increasingly aware of the therapeutic use of probiotics and mental health. This review aims to inform psychiatrists about the communication between the microbiome and brain and discuss its relevance to the management and treatment of psychiatric illness. In reviewing the common psychiatric illnesses, the current literature shows inconsistent results on specific microbiome compositions related to specific illnesses, yet shows promising effects for probiotic use in many disorders. These findings offer a novel paradigm for approaching mental illness through the lens of nutritional psychiatry. Authors conclude there is much work to be done translating laboratory findings into clinical practice, and highlight the necessity for clinicians to stay informed of the literature and make accurate recommendations to patients.
Abstract
The gut microbiome as a potential therapeutic target for mental illness is a hot topic in psychiatry. Trillions of bacteria reside in the human gut and have been shown to play a crucial role in gut-brain communication through an influence on neural, immune, and endocrine pathways. Patients with various psychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder have been shown to have significant differences in the composition of their gut microbiome. Enhancing beneficial bacteria in the gut, for example, through the use of probiotics, prebiotics, or dietary change, has the potential to improve mood and reduce anxiety in both healthy people and patient groups. Much attention is being given to this subject in the general media, and patients are becoming increasingly interested in the potential to treat mental illness with microbiome-based therapies. It is imperative that those working with people with mental illness are aware of the rationale and current evidence base for such treatment strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the gut microbiome, what it is, and what it does in relation to gut-brain communication and psychological function. We describe the fundamental principles and basic techniques used in microbiome-gut-brain axis research in an accessible way for a clinician audience. We summarize the current evidence in relation to microbiome-based strategies for various psychiatric disorders and provide some practical advice that can be given to patients seeking to try a probiotic for mental health benefit.
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Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial.
Adams, JB, Audhya, T, Geis, E, Gehn, E, Fimbres, V, Pollard, EL, Mitchell, J, Ingram, J, Hellmers, R, Laake, D, et al
Nutrients. 2018;10(3)
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People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have significant nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, and digestive problems. Many studies have previously looked at individual nutrients for ASD. This study was designed to look at the accumulative effect of using a wide range of dietary and nutritional interventions, including vitamin and mineral supplements, essential fatty acids, Epsom salt baths, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and a gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (HGCSF) diet. The objective being to see if combining multiple interventions for a 12-month period, had greater benefits versus single nutrient interventions, and shorter trials. This US study recruited a wide age range of participants from 3-58yrs because it targeted, and was funded, by family groups of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. The study was deliberately single-blinded (meaning the participants knew what they were being given, but the clinical evaluators did not), as it was thought this would be more compelling and lead to less dropouts, especially considering the 12-month timing. In total 67 participants with ASD were recruited and 50 controls. Blood and urine samples were taking at the beginning and end of the study alongside autism severity assessments. Results showed an improvement in nutrient profiles for vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and carnitine alongside a significant decrease in homocysteine. There was an improvement in non-verbal IG test and cognitive function, and gastro-intestinal symptoms. There were no significant differences in complete blood count, blood chemistry panels or markers for inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP). There was no change to BMI. Three exceptional cases of improvement were recorded in the control group and made into case studies highlighting improved physical strength and ability to walk, and resolution of urinary issues and pica eating disorder. Because it was single blinded there may be some ‘placebo effect’ but overall the researchers conclude that the study demonstrates how interventions can be safely and effectively implemented in families, with minimal adverse effect. And that combined nutrient and diet interventions should be considered for use in clinical practice.
Abstract
This study involved a randomized, controlled, single-blind 12-month treatment study of a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention. Participants were 67 children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 3-58 years from Arizona and 50 non-sibling neurotypical controls of similar age and gender. Treatment began with a special vitamin/mineral supplement, and additional treatments were added sequentially, including essential fatty acids, Epsom salt baths, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and a healthy gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (HGCSF) diet. There was a significant improvement in nonverbal intellectual ability in the treatment group compared to the non-treatment group (+6.7 ± 11 IQ points vs. -0.6 ± 11 IQ points, p = 0.009) based on a blinded clinical assessment. Based on semi-blinded assessment, the treatment group, compared to the non-treatment group, had significantly greater improvement in autism symptoms and developmental age. The treatment group had significantly greater increases in EPA, DHA, carnitine, and vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, and Coenzyme Q10. The positive results of this study suggest that a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention is effective at improving nutritional status, non-verbal IQ, autism symptoms, and other symptoms in most individuals with ASD. Parents reported that the vitamin/mineral supplements, essential fatty acids, and HGCSF diet were the most beneficial.
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The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Novel Treatments.
Kim, YK, Shin, C
Current neuropharmacology. 2018;16(5):559-573
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The connection between the microbiome in the gut and the brain is known as the gut-brain axis and may have implications in the development and treatment of brain disorders. This narrative review paper aimed to summarise the gut-brain axis and studies surrounding the use of gut microbiota in treatment for brain disorders. The authors first highlighted that the gut microbiota is individual and varies depending on the age of the host, with full development around the age of 3 years old. Diet, infections, the use of antibiotics and stress can all affect the gut-microbiota in what is termed dysbiosis. Studies in animals indicate that the gut-brain axis may be bidirectional with either aspect affecting the other. Stress may cause dysbiosis, affecting both digestion and the immune system. In turn the gut microbiota may affect the brain through the immune system, modulation of nerves, and through the production of signalling molecules. Several diseases of the brain may be influenced by the gut microbiota. Mood disorders, brain degeneration and childhood brain development disorders were all highlighted as having potential relationships with dysbiosis. The use of probiotics in chronic fatigue syndrome, schizophrenia, brain function and autism spectrum disorder were reviewed with positive results in chronic fatigue syndrome and brain function, however studies are lacking. It was concluded that gut microbiota may directly or indirectly affect brain disorders, however the role of probiotics as a treatment needs more research. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the potential role of the gut microbiota in brain disorders.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human gut microbiome comprise a huge number of microorganisms with co-evolutionary associations with humans. It has been repeatedly revealed that bidirectional communication exists between the brain and the gut and involves neural, hormonal, and immunological pathways. Evidences from neuroscience researches over the past few years suggest that microbiota is essential for the development and maturation of brain systems that are associated to stress responses. METHOD This review provides that the summarization of the communication among microbiota, gut and brain and the results of preclinical and clinical studies on gut microbiota used in treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. RESULT Recent studies have reported that diverse forms of neuropsychiatric disorders (such as autism, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia) are associated with or modulated by variations in the microbiome, by microbial substrates, and by exogenous prebiotics, antibiotics, and probiotics. CONCLUSION The microbiota-gut-brain axis might provide novel targets for prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, further studies are required to substantiate the clinical use of probiotics, prebiotics and FMT.