The correlation between gut microbiota and both neurotransmitters and mental disorders: A narrative review

The gastrointestinal tract is embedded with microorganisms of numerous genera, referred to as gut microbiota. Gut microbiota has multiple effects on many body organs, including the brain. There is a bidirectional connection between the gut and brain called the gut-brain-axis, and these connections a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medicine (Baltimore) 2024-02, Vol.103 (5), p.e37114-e37114
Main Authors: Mhanna, Amjad, Martini, Nafiza, Hmaydoosh, Ghefar, Hamwi, George, Jarjanazi, Mulham, Zaifah, Ghaith, Kazzazo, Reem, Haji Mohamad, Aya, Alshehabi, Zuheir
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Brain
Gastrointestinal Microbiome - physiology
Humans
Mental Disorders - therapy
Narrative Review
Neurotransmitter Agents
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Summary:The gastrointestinal tract is embedded with microorganisms of numerous genera, referred to as gut microbiota. Gut microbiota has multiple effects on many body organs, including the brain. There is a bidirectional connection between the gut and brain called the gut-brain-axis, and these connections are formed through immunological, neuronal, and neuroendocrine pathways. In addition, gut microbiota modulates the synthesis and functioning of neurotransmitters. Therefore, the disruption of the gut microbiota in the composition or function, which is known as dysbiosis, is associated with the pathogenesis of many mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. This review aims to summarize the modulation role of the gut microbiota in 4 prominent neurotransmitters (tryptophan and serotonergic system, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate), as well as its association with 4 psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, and autism spectrum disorder). More future research is required to develop efficient gut-microbiota-based therapies for these illnesses.
ISSN:0025-7974
1536-5964
DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037114