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cyntt cyntt
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5 years ago
2.       Through which pathways might microbes of the gut microbiota interact with the gut brain axis?
3.       How can gut microbiota influence and contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders?
4.       How could scientists use the new knowledge of the bidirectionality of the GBA to help people suffering from anxiety and depression?
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5 years ago
Hi cyntt

2.       Through which pathways might microbes of the gut microbiota interact with the gut brain axis?

This relationship involves various afferent and efferent pathways such as the vagus nerve and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathway to regulate aspects of homeostasis such as satiety and hunger, and inflammation.

3.       How can gut microbiota influence and contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders?

In one study, a team of researchers showed that Clostridium produced biologically active dopamine in the gut lumen of mice. Given that dopamine is the key neurotransmitter associated with schizophrenia, it is possible that these bacterial metabolites can interact and stimulate the central and peripheral nervous systems.

In another study, there was a strong correlation found between functional GI disorders caused by dysbiosis and the subsequent presence of mood disorders. Dysbiosis is a microbial disturbance or imbalance that can cause functional GI disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.

Interestingly, it is also well established that the response of the CNS to psychological and physical stressors can affect gut homoeostasis and result in diseases such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

4.       How could scientists use the new knowledge of the bidirectionality of the GBA to help people suffering from anxiety and depression?

Given that scientists have made a link, there are several things that can be done to improve one's health, namely by manipulating the gut microbiota. That is, the gut microbiota can be intentionally manipulated to help maintain health and prevent or treat disease. Here's how:

1. Probiotics

Recent experimental evidence would appear to suggest that alterations to the gut microbiota composition through probiotic treatment could attenuate neuropsychiatric symptoms or even reduce the risk of developing future psychiatric symptoms. As an example, treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus induced region-dependent changes in GABA expression in the cortical cingulate, hippocampus, amygdala and prelimbic regions. This treatment thereby reduced the stress-induced release of cortisol, which in turn reduced anxiety and depression-related behaviour.

2. Antibiotics

Antibiotics reduce the numbers and diversity of commensal bacteria, which can allow pathogenic or parasitic microbes an opportunity to thrive in. Wholesale microbiota changes caused by antibiotics have been shown to influence adult behaviour through modulation of hormone expression levels and tryptophan metabolic pathways, which are associated with serotonin secretion.

In a previous article on the Hub, the study we covered showed that mice that were treated with antibiotics performed worse on memory tests due to impairments in hippocampal neurogenesis. However, if mice were given probiotics or an exercise wheel, they showed profound improvements.

3. Diet and Lifestyle

Diet manipulation can influence gut microbiota by affecting composition and function of the microbial community. These alterations, in turn, can modulate the innate and adaptive immune systems as well as influence behaviour and mood. A recent study showed that a gluten-free diet improved schizophrenia symptoms in a single case where the individual also had a complex autoimmune disorder.
Source  https://psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/the-simplified-guide-to-the-gut-brain-axis/
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