Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis and Neurodegenerative Disorder

Abstract

AbstractDiverse and apt gut microbiota is a vital part of the human body and obligatory to maintain a healthy life. Significant involvement of gut flora in the central nervous system (CNS) development and its function has been revealed. The communication of gut microbiome and CNS is bidirectional and thus a person’s mental state can also be influenced by gut microbiome composition. Increased intestinal permeability and impaired intestinal barrier are associated with gut dysbiosis which in turn influence the structure and functions of CNS. Also, there are resilient connections between the microbiome and neurological diseases. In this chapter, we discussed the biological association of gut microbiome in the CNS function and development including blood–brain barrier, myelination, and neurogenesis. We also discussed the factors that influence the gut microbiome and CNS including specific and nonspecific factors, age, probiotic, prebiotic, vegetarian diet, Western diet, and antibiotics. We also tried to cast some light on the connection between gut dysbiosis and neurodegenerative diseases/disorders with clinical evidence and underlying mechanisms. New insights into factors influencing the gut microbiota and CNS connections may be exploited as capable tools to tackle neurological diseases.KeywordsGut microbiotaMicrobiomeCNSBlood–brain barrierNeurological disorders