Microbiota and autoimmune processes as potential therapeutic targets in comorbid depression and inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

The aim of this review is to evaluate current information on the shared pathologic mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and depression, with an emphasis on inflammatory mechanisms and the role of the gut microbiota. According to the recent data, abovementioned elements play an important role in the risks of depression and anxiety in IBD. The impact on inflammatory processes and microbiota can be used to develop new therapeutic approaches both in cases of comorbid and isolated mental pathology. Despite this, the number of high-quality clinical studies in this area is currently extremely small. Further research into colitis-associated inflammation and dysbiosis may be the key to further understanding and creating optimal treatment of comorbid diseases.