The Role of Gut Microbiota in Circadian Stress

Abstract

In mammals, there is an excellent autonomous regulation between the nervous system and the intestinal microbiota, which arises at the level of the immune system, neuroendocrine system and the vagus nerve. The gut-brain axis allows the intestinal microbiota to affect brain function through different pathways such as an immune regulatory, a neuroendocrine and a vagus nerve pathway. The information generated by these systems is bidirectional, affecting, regulating, and controlling the central nervous system and enteric nervous system, as well as gut microbiota. On the other hand, in mammals, there is a complex system of circadian rhythms, which regulates the integration of information generated abroad through the retinohypothalamic pathway and the consequent rhythm of endogenous circadian clocks, which govern physiology, cognition and behavior in humans, other mammals and microorganisms. This chapter aims to summarize literature reports on the role of intestinal microbiota in circadian rhythms and the influence of internal and external factors in the bidirectional communication between them. Also, mechanisms underlying stress and circadian cycles are reviewed to understand the components and pathways that participate in gut microbiota's modulatory activity over brain function.