๐ก Researchers explore strategies aimed at re-establishing the correct homeostatic gut balance using prebiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary interventions, which represent an innovative approach to improve the pharmacotherapy of depression.
๐ Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in the world. Disease pathophysiology is multifactorial and arises from a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors throughout life.
๐ The gut microbiota is emerging as a key regulator of the central nervous system homeostasis by exerting fundamental immune and metabolic functions. In turn, the brain influences the intestinal microbial composition through neuroendocrine signals, within the so-called gut microbiota-brain axis.
๐ In depressed patients, the overgrowth of harmful and pathogenic microbes, create a dysbiosed condition characterized by gut inflammation and intestinal permeability. Intestinal immunity is not ensured, and the tryptophan metabolic pathway is blocked.
๐ Commensal bacteria, their components (like LPS), and other pro-inflammatory molecules (i.e., IL-6, TNF-ฮฑ, IFN-ฮณ, and gluten) can enter the circulation and disrupt brain homeostasis by reducing the abundance of neurotrophins, inducing neuroinflammation, and altering the levels of neurotransmitters. In turn, altered hormonal signals from the brain modify the cortisol levels and impair the immune system functioning, which is instead reinforced during gut-microbiota-brain axis homeostasis.
๐ด Researchers in this study, explore the intricate network between gut microbiota and depression. They further provide insights for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches towards depression, with profound implications for drug development and clinical practice.
Link to the article: bit.ly/42koebA
Published On: /06/2023
