scholarly journals Regulation of Neurotransmitters by the Gut Microbiota and Effects on Cognition in Neurological Disorders

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 2099
Author(s):  
Yijing Chen ◽  
Jinying Xu ◽  
Yu Chen

Emerging evidence indicates that gut microbiota is important in the regulation of brain activity and cognitive functions. Microbes mediate communication among the metabolic, peripheral immune, and central nervous systems via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. However, it is not well understood how the gut microbiome and neurons in the brain mutually interact or how these interactions affect normal brain functioning and cognition. We summarize the mechanisms whereby the gut microbiota regulate the production, transportation, and functioning of neurotransmitters. We also discuss how microbiome dysbiosis affects cognitive function, especially in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7551
Author(s):  
Kanmani Suganya ◽  
Byung-Soo Koo

The gut microbiome acts as an integral part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that has the largest and vulnerable surface with desirable features to observe foods, nutrients, and environmental factors, as well as to differentiate commensals, invading pathogens, and others. It is well-known that the gut has a strong connection with the central nervous system (CNS) in the context of health and disease. A healthy gut with diverse microbes is vital for normal brain functions and emotional behaviors. In addition, the CNS controls most aspects of the GI physiology. The molecular interaction between the gut/microbiome and CNS is complex and bidirectional, ensuring the maintenance of gut homeostasis and proper digestion. Besides this, several mechanisms have been proposed, including endocrine, neuronal, toll-like receptor, and metabolites-dependent pathways. Changes in the bidirectional relationship between the GIT and CNS are linked with the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal and neurological disorders; therefore, the microbiota/gut-and-brain axis is an emerging and widely accepted concept. In this review, we summarize the recent findings supporting the role of the gut microbiota and immune system on the maintenance of brain functions and the development of neurological disorders. In addition, we highlight the recent advances in improving of neurological diseases by probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation via the concept of the gut–brain axis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (4) ◽  
pp. 66-76
Author(s):  
Оlena Kovalova

The article presents the results of testing of the developed online-training of cognitive functions of the brain, which was implemented on a separately created game platform using a set of specially developed games. The proposed results reveal the theoretical justification of the cognitive functions, which are selected for training: memory, thinking, attention, imagination, perception. The characteristics of each cognitive function to be stimulated in the conditions of online games are highlighted. We described the algorithm for games evaluating according to certain cognitive functions and their characteristics. An analysis of the effectiveness of evaluation is given. The results of completing by players of game sessions balanced on the chosen cognitive functions are described. A comparison of the effectiveness of stimulation of different cognitive functions depending on the motivation and choice of players is presented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of online games in activation and stimulation of the cognitive functions of the human psyche. The research methods were based on our own developed algorithm for training success estimation, analysis of the results of online games, methods of mathematical statistics. The results of the study are presented on the basis of approbation of the developed training, conducted during two years. The analysis of the implementation of the training revealed the dependence of the effectiveness of stimulation of cognitive functions on the motivation and choice of the player. It is shown that when training on a balanced set of games, where all cognitive functions are present in equal shares, the effectiveness of training is not uniform and not balanced. It is investigated that the effectiveness of training depends on the quality of the game's effect on cognitive function. In order to take into account this quality of influence, all games were divided into two classes: actively shaping and passively stimulating. The distribution of games by classes was experimentally confirmed. A generalized analysis of the game sessions of all players for six months revealed cognitive functions which for the most players were better developed and more stimulated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 124-154
Author(s):  
S. Bulgakova ◽  
N. Romanchuk ◽  
O. Pomazanova

The new competencies of psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology and psychoneuroimmunology play a strategic role in interdisciplinary science and interdisciplinary planning and decision-making. The introduction of multi-vector neurotechnologies of artificial intelligence and the principles of digital health care will contribute to the development of modern neuroscience and neuromarketing. The availability of innovative technologies, such as next-generation sequencing and correlated bioinformatics tools, allows deeper investigation of the cross-network relationships between the microbiota and human immune responses. Immune homeostasis is the balance between immunological tolerance and inflammatory immune responses — a key feature in the outcome of health or disease. A healthy microbiota is the qualitative and quantitative ratio of diverse microbes of individual organs and systems, maintaining the biochemical, metabolic and immune equilibrium of the macroorganism necessary to preserve human health. Functional foods, healthy biomicrobiota, healthy lifestyle and controlled protective environmental effects, artificial intelligence and electromagnetic information load/overload are responsible for the work of the human immune system and its ability to respond to pandemic attacks in a timely manner. Obesity continues to be one of the main problems of modern health care due to its high prevalence and polymorbidity. In addition to cardiometabolic diseases, lesions of the musculoskeletal system, obese individuals show impaired cognitive functions, have a high risk of developing depression and anxiety. The gut microbiota mediates between environmental influences (food, lifestyle) and the physiology of the host, and its change may partially explain the cross-link between the above pathologies. It is known that Western eating patterns are the main cause of the obesity epidemic, which also contributes to dysbiotic drift of the gut microbiota, which in turn contributes to the development of complications associated with obesity. Experimental studies in animal models and, to a lesser extent in humans, show that microbiota is associated with obesity and may contribute to the endocrine, neurochemical and development of systemic inflammation underlying obesity itself and related diseases. Nevertheless, a number of questions remain at present. Modeling the microbiota-gut-brain axis, provides the brain with information from the gut not only through the nervous system but also through a continuous stream of microbial, endocrine, metabolic and immune messages. The communication network provides important keys to understanding how obesity and diabetes can affect the brain by provoking neuropsychiatric diseases. The literature review is devoted to the analysis of data on the relationship of the gut-brain axis, obesity and cognitive functions, immune homeostasis and new competencies: psychoneuroimmunology and psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Safa Salim ◽  
Ayesha Banu ◽  
Amira Alwa ◽  
Swetha B. M. Gowda ◽  
Farhan Mohammad

AbstractThe idea that alterations in gut-microbiome-brain axis (GUMBA)-mediated communication play a crucial role in human brain disorders like autism remains a topic of intensive research in various labs. Gastrointestinal issues are a common comorbidity in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although gut microbiome and microbial metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In this review, we have summarized recent findings in human and animal models highlighting the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD. We have discussed genetic and neurobehavioral characteristics of Drosophila as an animal model to study the role of GUMBA in ASD. The utility of Drosophila fruit flies as an amenable genetic tool, combined with axenic and gnotobiotic approaches, and availability of transgenic flies may reveal mechanistic insight into gut-microbiota-brain interactions and the impact of its alteration on behaviors relevant to neurological disorders like ASD.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying He ◽  
Tomasz Kosciolek ◽  
Jinsong Tang ◽  
Yao Zhou ◽  
Zongchang Li ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:The microbiota-gut-brain axis and membrane dysfunction in the brain has attracted increasing attention in the field of psychiatric research. However, the possible interactive role of gut microbiota and brain function in the prodromal stage of schizophrenia has not been studied yet.Methods:To explore this, we collected fecal samples and performed Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) scans in 81 high risk (HR) subjects, 19 ultra-high risk (UHR) subjects and 69 health controls (HC). Then we analyzed the differences in gut microbiota and choline concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).Results:Presences of the orders Clostridiales, Lactobacillales and Bacteroidales were observed at increase levels in fecal samples of UHR subjects compared to the other two groups. The composition changes of gut microbiota indicate the increased production of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), which could activate microglia and then disrupt membrane metabolism. Furthermore, this was confirmed by an increase of choline levels, a brain imaging marker of membrane dysfunction, which is also significantly elevated in UHR subjects compared to the HR and HC groups.Conclusion:Both gut microbiome and imaging studies of UHR subjects suggest the membrane dysfunction in the brain and hence might support the membrane hypothesis of schizophrenia.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Saji ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tsuduki ◽  
Kenta Murotani ◽  
Takayoshi Hisada ◽  
Taiki Sugimoto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown associations between the gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and cognitive decline. However, the effect of the dietary composition on such associations has not been fully investigated. Methods We performed a cross-sectional sub-analysis of data from our prospective hospital-based cohort study (the Gimlet study) to evaluate the relationships between dietary composition, cognitive decline, and the gut microbiota. All the participants of the Gimlet study had been provided with information regarding this sub-study in 2018. Patients were excluded if they were unable to provide sufficient data in the questionnaire regarding their dietary composition. We assessed their demographics, dietary composition, risk factors, cognitive function, results of brain imaging, gut microbiome, and microbial metabolites. On the basis of previous studies, a nine-component traditional Japanese diet index (JDI9), a 12-component modern JDI (JDI12), and a 12-component revised JDI (rJDI12), were defined. Higher JDI scores indicated greater conformity to the traditional Japanese diet. We then evaluated the relationships between the JDI scores, cognitive function, and the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results We analyzed data from 85 eligible patients (61% women; mean age: 74.6 ± 7.4 years; mean Mini-Mental State Examination score: 24 ± 5). Compared with participants with dementia, those without dementia were more likely to consume foods in the JDI12, including fish and shellfish (64.5% vs. 39.1%, P = 0.048), mushrooms (61.3% vs. 30.4%, P = 0.015), soybeans and soybean-derived foods (62.9% vs. 30.4%, P = 0.013), and coffee (71.0% vs. 43.5%, P = 0.024). There were non-significant trends towards lower fecal concentrations of gut microbial metabolites in participants with a more traditional Japanese diet. Participants with dementia had lower JDI9, JDI12, and rJDI12 scores than participants without dementia (dementia vs. non-dementia, median JDI9 score: 5 vs. 7, P = 0.049; JDI12: 7 vs. 8, P = 0.017; and rJDI12: 7 vs. 9, P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions Adherence to a traditional Japanese diet was found to be inversely associated with cognitive decline and tended to be associated with lower concentrations of gut microbial metabolites. Trial registration: UMIN000031851.


1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-366
Author(s):  
Rumyana Kristeva-Feige ◽  
Bernd Feige

AbstractPosner & Raichle's (1994) book is a fascinating and readable account of the studies the authors have conducted on the localization of cognitive functions in the brain mainly using PET and EEC evoked potential methods. Our criticism concerns the underrepresentation of some imaging techniques (magnetoencephalography) and some forms of brain activity (spontaneous activity). Furthermore, the book leaves the reader with the impression that the brain only responds to external events.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Salami

The human gastrointestinal tract hosts trillions of microorganisms that is called “gut microbiota.” The gut microbiota is involved in a wide variety of physiological features and functions of the body. Thus, it is not surprising that any damage to the gut microbiota is associated with disorders in different body systems. Probiotics, defined as living microorganisms with health benefits for the host, can support or restore the composition of the gut microbiota. Numerous investigations have proved a relationship between the gut microbiota with normal brain function as well as many brain diseases, in which cognitive dysfunction is a common clinical problem. On the other hand, increasing evidence suggests that the existence of a healthy gut microbiota is crucial for normal cognitive processing. In this regard, interplay of the gut microbiota and cognition has been under focus of recent researches. In the present paper, I review findings of the studies considering beneficial effects of either gut microbiota or probiotic bacteria on the brain cognitive function in the healthy and disease statuses.


EMJ Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 68-79
Author(s):  
Varruchi Sharma ◽  
Atul Sankhyan ◽  
Anshika Varshney ◽  
Renuka Choudhary ◽  
Anil K. Sharma

It has been suggested that an intricate communication link exists between the gut microbiota and the brain and its ability to modulate behaviour of an individual governing homeostasis. Metabolic activity of the microbiota is considered to be relatively constant in healthy individuals, despite differences in the composition of microbiota. The metabolites produced by gut microbiota and their homeostatic balance is often perturbed as a result of neurological complications. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to explore the link between gut microbiota and brain function and behaviour through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways. This current review focusses on the impact of altered gut microbiota on brain functions and how microbiome modulation by use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics might prove beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of neurological disorders. It is important to carefully understand the complex mechanisms underlying the gut–brain axis so as to use the gut microbiota as a therapeutic intervention strategy for neurological disorders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (22) ◽  
pp. 12551
Author(s):  
Silvia Diviccaro ◽  
Valentina Caputi ◽  
Lucia Cioffi ◽  
Silvia Giatti ◽  
Joshua M. Lyte ◽  
...  

Steroid hormones are essential biomolecules for human physiology as they modulate the endocrine system, nervous function and behaviour. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota is directly involved in the production and metabolism of steroid hormones in the periphery. However, the influence of the gut microbiota on levels of steroids acting and present in the brain (i.e., neuroactive steroids) is not fully understood. Therefore, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, we assessed the levels of several neuroactive steroids in various brain areas and the plasma of germ-free (GF) male mice and conventionally colonized controls. The data obtained indicate an increase in allopregnanolone levels associated with a decrease in those of 5α-androstane-3α, 17β-diol (3α-diol) in the plasma of GF mice. Moreover, an increase of dihydroprogesterone and isoallopregnanolone in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex was also reported. Changes in dihydrotestosterone and 3α-diol levels were also observed in the hippocampus of GF mice. In addition, an increase in dehydroepiandrosterone was associated with a decrease in testosterone levels in the hypothalamus of GF mice. Our findings suggest that the absence of microbes affects the neuroactive steroids in the periphery and the brain, supporting the evidence of a microbiota-mediated modulation of neuroendocrine pathways involved in preserving host brain functioning.


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