The Gut Microbiome in Schizophrenia and the Potential Benefits of Prebiotic and Probiotic Treatment.

Jonathan C W Liu,Margaret K Hahn,Ilona Gorbovskaya,Daniel J Müller

doi:10.3390/nu13041152

Jonathan C W Liu, Margaret K Hahn + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041152

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Abstract

The gut microbiome (GMB) plays an important role in developmental processes and has been implicated in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. However, the relationship between GMB and schizophrenia remains unclear. In this article, we review the existing evidence surrounding the gut microbiome in schizophrenia and the potential for antipsychotics to cause adverse metabolic events by altering the gut microbiome. We also evaluate the current evidence for the clinical use of probiotic and prebiotic treatment in schizophrenia. The current data on microbiome alteration in schizophrenia remain conflicting. Longitudinal and larger studies will help elucidate the confounding effect on the microbiome. Current studies help lay the groundwork for further investigations into the role of the GMB in the development, presentation, progression and potential treatment of schizophrenia.

Highlights

A relationship by which the gut microbiota (GMB) may interact with the central nervous system (CNS) through the gut–brain axis has long been construed
Abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Escherichia coli increased with risperidone treatment Abundance of Lactobaccillus spp. and Clostridium coccoides decreased with risperidone treatment
There are several limitations regarding the current evidence for the GMB, SCZ and psychobiotic-based treatments

Summary

Introduction

A relationship by which the gut microbiota (GMB) may interact with the central nervous system (CNS) through the gut–brain axis has long been construed. Current evidence indicates that communication from the GMB to the brain primarily occurs through neuroimmune and neuroendocrine mechanisms, often involving the vagus nerve [5]. This bottom-up communication is mediated by several microbial-derived molecules, with the best-elucidated examples including short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids and tryptophan metabolites [6,7,8]. While some of these microbial-derived molecules interact directly with enteroendocrine cells, enterochromaffin cells and the mucosal immune system, others may penetrate the intestinal barrier to enter systemic circulation. Disruption of the dynamic interaction between the two can result in profound effects on human health

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