The role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases

• Main Authors: Aleksandra Szewczyk, Apolonia Witecka, Anna Kiersztan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Index Copernicus International S.A. 2019-12-01
• Series: Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej
• Subjects: intestinal microbiota; central nervous system; vagus nerve; short-chain fatty acids; microglia; probiotics
• Online Access: http://phmd.pl/gicid/01.3001.0013.7326

According to current knowledge, the number of microorganisms living in our body slightly exceeds the number of our own cells, and most of them occupy the large intestine. New methods for analyzing microorganisms residing in our intestine (intestinal microbiota) enable a better understanding of their metabolic, protective and structural functions as well as complex interactions with the host. The development of microbiota is dynamic, and its composition may change during our lifetime. Many factors can affect the composition of microbiota, such as diet, stress, age, genetic factors and antibiotic therapy. Microbiota-gut-brain communication is bi-directional and is mediated via neuronal, immunological and humoral pathways. This article focuses on gut-brain axis elements, such as the vagus nerve, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), cytokines, neurotransmitters, hormones and intestinal peptides, allowing microbiota to contact with the central nervous system. Moreover, this article shows the mechanisms by which microbiota affects the brain functions related to our behavior, mood and cognitive processes. In addition, the role of microbiota composition disorders in the pathogenesis of central nervous system diseases (such as depression, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease) is discussed. This article also focuses on the results from studies in which probiotics have been used as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and also alleviating the symptoms of the central nervous system diseases.