scholarly journals The Microbiota/Microbiome and the Gut–Brain Axis: How Much Do They Matter in Psychiatry?

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 760
Author(s):  
Donatella Marazziti ◽  
Beatrice Buccianelli ◽  
Stefania Palermo ◽  
Elisabetta Parra ◽  
Alessandro Arone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

The functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) is the result of the constant integration of bidirectional messages between the brain and peripheral organs, together with their connections with the environment. Despite the anatomical separation, gut microbiota, i.e., the microorganisms colonising the gastrointestinal tract, is highly related to the CNS through the so-called “gut–brain axis”. The aim of this paper was to review and comment on the current literature on the role of the intestinal microbiota and the gut–brain axis in some common neuropsychiatric conditions. The recent literature indicates that the gut microbiota may affect brain functions through endocrine and metabolic pathways, antibody production and the enteric network while supporting its possible role in the onset and maintenance of several neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition were observed in mood disorders and autism spectrum disorders and, apparently to a lesser extent, even in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions, as well as in schizophrenia. Therefore, gut microbiota might represent an interesting field of research for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of common neuropsychiatric disorders and possibly as a target for the development of innovative treatments that some authors have already labelled “psychobiotics”.

scholarly journals The possible role of oxytocin in neuropsychiatric disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 274-278
Author(s):  
Donatella Marazziti ◽  
Alessandra Della Vecchia
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Peptide Hormone ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Social Signals ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Compulsive Disorder

Oxytocin (OT) is a peptide hormone unique to mammals, typically involved in activities characteristic of this vertebrate class, such as labour and lactation. Evidence suggests a role of OT even in most complex activities, including child attachment, maternal care, couple bonding, emotional and social behaviors. Furthermore, it seems to contribute to the modulation of stress responses, learning, and memory processes, as well as to the connection of social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. For this reason, for years there has been a debate on the possible contribution of the OT system in the pathophysiology of different neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, addiction, and schizophrenia. In this article, we describe the most relevant findings on OT system abnormalities in the aforementioned disorders, with a focus on possible therapeutic implications.

scholarly journals The Role of Iron in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga V. Kostina
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Iron Metabolism ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
The Brain

The review presents an analysis of the mechanisms of iron effect on the brain development. The importance of iron deficiency in the perinatal period is considered as a risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Possible causes of sideropenia are discussed; data on haematological and biochemical parameters characterizing iron metabolism in children with ASDs are presented. The demand for studying the role of iron metabolism imbalance in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in order to clarify pathogenetic mechanisms of ASDs and to determine methods for their correction is emphasized.

Investigating the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)val66metvariant in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sîan M.J. Hemmings ◽  
Craig J. Kinnear ◽  
Lize Van Der Merwe ◽  
Christine Lochner ◽  
Valerie A. Corfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals The Role of Gut Microbiota and Gut–Brain Interplay in Selected Diseases of the Central Nervous System

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (18) ◽  
pp. 10028
Author(s):  
Julia Doroszkiewicz ◽  
Magdalena Groblewska ◽  
Barbara Mroczko
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Parkinson’S Diseases ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

The gut microbiome has attracted increasing attention from researchers in recent years. The microbiota can have a specific and complex cross-talk with the host, particularly with the central nervous system (CNS), creating the so-called “gut–brain axis”. Communication between the gut, intestinal microbiota, and the brain involves the secretion of various metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), structural components of bacteria, and signaling molecules. Moreover, an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition modulates the immune system and function of tissue barriers such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, the aim of this literature review is to describe how the gut–brain interplay may contribute to the development of various neurological disorders, combining the fields of gastroenterology and neuroscience. We present recent findings concerning the effect of the altered microbiota on neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as multiple sclerosis. Moreover, the impact of the pathological shift in the microbiome on selected neuropsychological disorders, i.e., major depressive disorders (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is also discussed. Future research on the effect of balanced gut microbiota composition on the gut–brain axis would help to identify new potential opportunities for therapeutic interventions in the presented diseases.

scholarly journals Update on Statin Treatment in Patients with Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1365
Author(s):  
Razieh Avan ◽  
Adeleh Sahebnasagh ◽  
Javad Hashemi ◽  
Mahila Monajati ◽  
Fatemeh Faramarzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Statin Treatment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
Positive Effect

Statins are widely accepted as first-choice agents for the prevention of lipid-related cardiovascular diseases. These drugs have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which may also make them effective as potential treatment marked by perturbations in these pathways, such as some neuropsychiatric disorders. In this narrative review, we have investigated the effects of statin therapy in individuals suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder (BD), delirium, and autism spectrum disorders using a broad online search of electronic databases. We also explored the adverse effects of these drugs to obtain insights into the benefits and risks associated with their use in the treatment of these disorders. Lipophilic statins (including simvastatin) because of better brain penetrance may have greater protective effects against MDD and schizophrenia. The significant positive effects of statins in the treatment of anxiety disorders without any serious adverse side effects were shown in numerous studies. In OCD, BD, and delirium, limitations, and contradictions in the available data make it difficult to draw conclusions on any positive effect of statins. The positive effects of simvastatin in autism disorders have been evaluated in only a small number of clinical trials. Although some studies showed positive effect of statins in some neuropsychiatric disorders, further prospective studies are needed to confirm this and define the most effective doses and treatment durations.

scholarly journals The gut microbiota and mental health

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 304-309
Author(s):  
Sara Moqbil ◽  
Sylwiusz Niedobylski ◽  
Katarzyna Laszczak ◽  
Konrad Warchoł ◽  
Eryk Mikos
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychiatric Research ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Important Field ◽  
System 1

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE Recent studies have shown that changes in the microbiome, probiotic and antibiotic supplementation, can significantly modulate various forms of neuropsychiatric disorders - such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders. There is growing body of evidence pointing to a bidirectional correlation along the brain-gut microbiota line. This axis is connected through endocrine, immune and neuronal pathways. The nerves that make up the enteric nervous system transmit modifications occurring in the gastrointestinal tract and through the vagus nerve to the central nervous system (1). The main purpose of this review is to update recent information on the correlation between the gut microbiota and mental health.  STATE OF KNOWLEDGE Interactions between the gastrointestinal system and brain function have become an important field of psychiatric research in recent years. Probiotics are thought to be a potentially valuable player in the treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the role of specific gut microbiota species in the development of these disorders remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS Increasing knowledge of the correlation between gut microbiota and mental health may improve the quality of treatment for patients with neuropsychiatric conditions. Further research on larger groups is needed to assess whether probiotics can modify altered psychological well-being and be integrated into current, conventional treatments.

CURRENT VIEWS ON NEUROPLASTICITY: WHAT IS NEW AND WHAT IS OLD?

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Bożydar L.J. Kaczmarek
Keyword(s):  
Neuronal Plasticity ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Hard Data ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
The Brain

The main aim of the paper is to show that many previously forgotten discoveries within the field of neuroscience own their rediscovery and renaissance to the refinement of tools provided by the technological advances. Most spectacular is the advancement of brain imaging techniques, which provide hard data that support for evidence for previously neglected presumptions and ideas. Neuroplasticity is an example of such a long ignored historical discovery. One reason for that neglect is that it stood in contradiction to beliefs and theories prevailing at the first half of the twenties century. The idea of neuronal plasticity is not disputed any longer since it has found confirmation not only in a dramatic development of neuroimaging but also in the advancement of neurobiology. Most authors concentrate upon neuronal plasticity, recent studies, however, have produced a wealth of information regarding neurogenesis, in which astrocytes have proved to play a significant role. The significance of adult neurogenesis for learning and memory and for treatment of depression is outlined. Moreover, it was observed that neuroplasticity benefits patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who undergo effective, evidence-based treatment. Convincing examples of brain plasticity brings also clinical practice, which often unveils the appearance of hitherto hidden artistic abilities in people who have suffered from brain damage. In addition, the possibilities of altering the brain functions by mental force alone are discussed. Thus, the paper reveals that many “controversial” ideas were confirmed by contemporary studies forcing changes in a traditional view on brain works.

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