The Interplay Between the Gut Microbiome and Neurological Disorders: Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis

Abstract

The gut-brain axis is a complex communication system between the gut and the brain that has a significant impact on overall health and well-being. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in this communication system, and that imbalances in the gut microbiome can contribute to the development and progression of neurological disorders. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the gut-brain axis, including the structure and function of the gut microbiome, and the various gut-brain communication pathways. We also discuss the role of dysbiosis, or imbalances in the gut microbiome, in the development and progression of neurological disorders, and the various gut-directed therapies that have been shown to be effective in these conditions, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Finally, we discuss the future directions and challenges in gut-brain research for neurological disorders, including the need for standardized and validated methods for measuring gut microbiome composition and function, and the complex and multi-factorial nature of the gut-brain axis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field and highlights the importance of the gut-brain axis in the management of neurological disorders.