In recent years, there has been an exciting focus of research attempting to understand neuropsychiatric
disorders from a holistic perspective in order to determine the role of gut microbiota in the aetiology and pathogenesis
of such disorders. Thus, the possible therapeutic benefits of targeting gut microbiota are being explored
for conditions such as stress, depression or schizophrenia. Growing evidence indicates that there is bidirectional
communication between gut microbiota and the brain that has an effect on normal CNS functioning and behavioural
responses. Alcohol abuse damages the gastrointestinal tract, alters gut microbiota and induces neuroinflammation
and cognitive decline. The relationship between alcohol abuse and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
axis activation, inflammation and immune regulation has been well documented. In this review, we explore the
connection between microbiota, brain function and behaviour, as well as the mechanisms through which alcohol
induces microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Finally, we propose the study of psychobiotics as
a novel pharmaceutical strategy to treat alcohol use disorders.
The role of FoxO4 in the relationship between alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and liver injury
