Abstract
The gut and brain link via various metabolic and signalling pathways, each with the potential to influence mental, brain and cognitive health. Over the past decade, the involvement of the gut microbiota in gut–brain communication has become the focus of increased scientific interest, establishing the microbiota–gut–brain axis as a field of research. There is a growing number of association studies exploring the gut microbiota’s possible role in memory, learning, anxiety, stress, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, attention is now turning to how the microbiota can become the target of nutritional and therapeutic strategies for improved brain health and well-being. However, while such strategies that target the gut microbiota to influence brain health and function are currently under development with varying levels of success, still very little is yet known about the triggers and mechanisms underlying the gut microbiota’s apparent influence on cognitive or brain function and most evidence comes from pre-clinical studies rather than well controlled clinical trials/investigations. Filling the knowledge gaps requires establishing a standardised methodology for human studies, including strong guidance for specific focus areas of the microbiota–gut–brain axis, the need for more extensive biological sample analyses, and identification of relevant biomarkers. Other urgent requirements are new advanced models for in vitro and in vivo studies of relevant mechanisms, and a greater focus on omics technologies with supporting bioinformatics resources (training, tools) to efficiently translate study findings, as well as the identification of relevant targets in study populations. The key to building a validated evidence base rely on increasing knowledge sharing and multi-disciplinary collaborations, along with continued public–private funding support. This will allow microbiota–gut–brain axis research to move to its next phase so we can identify realistic opportunities to modulate the microbiota for better brain health.
Highlights
Does the gut hold the key to brain development and health? Through decades of research, scientists have established the strong connection between the gut and brain, modulated by neurons, neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune mediators
Focus has been extended to the role of the gut microbiota [2, 4–6], creating considerable excitement with findings that suggest specific intestinal microorganisms may be associated with memory [7], learning [7], stress [8], and mood [6, 9, 10]—and even neurodevelopmental [11, 12] and neurodegenerative disorders [2]
How does the gut microbiota influence brain development [13] and function [14]? Are brain disorders potentially shaped by the gut microbiota [15]? What role does diet play and what is its scope in influencing the microbiota–gut–brain axis [16, 17]? How do dietary supplements exert their apparent effect(s) on stress, mood, and cognition [18, 19]? What physiological mechanisms are at play [20]? And do alterations in microbiota–gut–brain interactions through life reflect the cause or symptom of an underlying brain condition [21]? Answering these questions is critical to harnessing the intestinal microbiota as a tool for ameliorating or preventing brain disorders, determining potential links with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and for developing nutritional and therapeutic strategies that support and strengthen the brain health of the individual
Summary
The microbiota–gut–brain axis and the potential to support cognition and brain health. Answering these questions is critical to harnessing the intestinal microbiota as a tool for ameliorating or preventing brain disorders, determining potential links with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and for developing nutritional and therapeutic strategies that support and strengthen the brain health of the individual This perspective paper offers a short introduction to the microbiota–gut–brain axis, the knowledge and research so far and the considerable remaining gaps in the understanding of causes and mechanisms. The vagus nerve, the immune and neuroendocrine systems, the neurotransmitters and metabolites along with the gut microbiota are currently the key pathways of interest in microbiota–gut–brain axis research [28]. Findings further indicate that the gut microbiota can activate the HPA axis [36]—one of the body’s major neuroendocrine systems that controls responses to stress and is involved in regulating, for example, mood and emotions [37] and the immune system [38]. GABA GABA is believed to have a role in behaviour, cognition and the body’s response to stress, anxiety and fear [40], while low GABA levels are associated with psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia, autism and depression
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