Abstract
The gut microbiota in humans communicates to the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis, and this communication functions in a bidirectional manner. The backbone of this axis is via the vagus nerve allowing the communication. Research on the functionality of the gut-brain axis is present; however, analysis of the diversity and stratification of the gut microbiota is in its infancy. Through the exploration of various studies focusing on the role of the gut microbiota and its effects on the efficacy of selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) in depression management, many promising alterations in constructive changes have emerged. It has become evident that a set of quantifiable microbial markers have been identified as consistent in the stools of depressive subjects that can be further used to determine the severity of disease progression - the presence of certain bacterial species being a common thread amongst the therapeutic bacteria for depression management. The vagus nerve's role in the gut-brain axis, which is vital to carry out any constructive alterations in the gut microbiota, has been strengthened through evidence of SSRIs depending on the vagus to execute therapeutic effects. This review will focus on the interaction between the diversity of the gut microbiota and investigate its link with depression.
Highlights
BackgroundDepression affects 21% of the global population yet is highly undiagnosed and left untreated for various reasons
The coexistence of gastrointestinal problems with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the role of the gut-brain axis have been explored by Srikantha et al The results indicate a lack of diversity in the microbial content of ASD children as opposed to controls
Research shows that bacteria that are consistent with a depressive diagnosis can be narrowed to a specific stool signature
Summary
Depression affects 21% of the global population yet is highly undiagnosed and left untreated for various reasons. Decreased expression of depressive-like behavior through the presence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in chronically stressed mice was observed in work by Yong et al [16] These studies support the concept of the benefits of specific Lactobacillus in treating MDD through anti-inflammatory mechanisms or through encouraging serotonin production. IBS is regarded as the prototypic disorder in reference to the gut-brain axis due to its responsiveness to probiotics [19] Studies have made it evident that IBS patients can benefit from SSRIs. Stasi et al.'s longitudinal examination of IBS patients taking fluoxetine, an SSRI, versus controls demonstrated that fluoxetine improved gastrointestinal and psychiatric symptoms in the study subjects [20]. Understanding the interplay of probiotics, microbiota, and the gut-brain axis can provide new avenues for prevention and treatment in many disease processes throughout various aspects of medicine that can benefit patients from infancy through adulthood
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