The gut-brain connection is a bidirectional communication system that links
the gut microbiome to the central nervous system (CNS). The gut-brain axis
communicates through a variety of mechanisms, including the release of
hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines. These signaling molecules can
travel from the gut to the brain and vice versa, influencing various physiological and cognitive functions. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the
gut-brain connection include probiotics, prebiotics, and faecal microbiota
transplantation (FMT). Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to
the beneficial bacteria that are naturally found in the gut. Prebiotics are
non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. FMT is a
procedure in which faecal matter from a healthy donor is transplanted into
the gut of a person with a diseased microbiome. Probiotics, prebiotics, and
FMT have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of gastrointestinal
disorders, and there is growing evidence that they may also be effective in
treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review explores the
emerging field of the gut-brain connection, focusing on the communication
pathways between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system. We
summarize the potential roles of gut dysbiosis in various neurological and
psychiatric disorders. Additionally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies, research limitations, and future directions in this exciting area of research. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the gut-brain connection and to develop safe and effective therapies that
target this pathway. However, the findings to date are promising, and there is
the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders
DOI: 10.4236/jbbs.2024.143008 Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 14 103-117
