Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection: Exploring Its Impact on Neurological Health, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Depression
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/healthecosoc.2025.09.01.02Keywords:
Fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics and prebiotics, neurodegenerative diseases, microbiota-derived metabolites, gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids, dysbiosisAbstract
Introduction: The microbiota gut-brain axis or the (MGBA) that incorporates gut microbiota (GM) is known to control the defensive system of our body along with the well-being of the central nervous system (CNS). The GM represents parasitic microorganisms that if in abnormal ratios throughout the body, may result in exposure to diseases, for example, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This research aims to clarify the molecular pathways through which GM dysbiosis impacts neurological health and will explore the effectiveness of probiotics and Synbiotics in restoring GM balance to improve brain function. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analysing peer-reviewed studies on the microbiome studies, the implications of probiotics, Synbiotics, and changes in nutrition on the composition of GM and the neuroinflammatory response of an organism. Results: The data indicate that these approaches assist in the re-establishment of adequate diversity in the GM population which helps to reduce the extent of neuroinflammation, stabilize the functioning of neurotransmitter deregulation, and enhance cognitive performance. The findings indicate the critical potential of biological agents targeting gut microbiota in the treatment of some neurological conditions. Conclusion: the modulating of GM represents a new understanding and mechanisms that can help deal with issues associated with brain health and manage prevalent complications of neurodegenerative diseases while reiterating the need for microbiome balance for the optimal functioning of CNS.
References
Chen, Y., Xu, J., & Chen, Y. (2021). Regulation of neurotransmitters by the gut microbiota and effects on cognition in neurological disorders. Nutrients, 13(6), 2099. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13062099
Han, Y., Wang, B., Gao, H., He, C., Hua, R., Liang, C., … Xu, J. (2022). Vagus nerve and underlying impact on the gut microbiota-brain axis in behavior and neurodegenerative diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, Volume 15, 6213–6230. https://doi.org/10.2147/jir.s384949
Holland, N., Robbins, T. W., & Rowe, J. B. (2021). The role of noradrenaline in cognition and cognitive disorders. Brain, 144(8), 2243–2256. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab111
Isik, S., Yeman Kiyak, B., Akbayir, R., Seyhali, R., & Arpaci, T. (2023). Microglia Mediated Neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s Disease. Cells, 12(7), 1012. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12071012
Juliana Marino Maia, , Isabelly G. Solon, , Renato Nery Soriano, , Luiz G.S. Branco (2024). Exploring the links between pro-inflammatory diets, gut dysbiosis, serotonin, and their implications for psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative 8 (2024) 100097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbii.2024.100097
Kalyan, M., Tousif, A. H., Sonali, S., Vichitra, C., Sunanda, T., Praveenraj, S. S., … Chidambaram, S. B. (2022). Role of Endogenous Lipopolysaccharides in Neurological Disorders. Cells, 11(24), 4038. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11244038
Kandpal, M., Indari, O., Baral, B., Jakhmola, S., Tiwari, D., Bhandari, V., … Jha, H. C. (2022). Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota from the Perspective of the Gut–Brain Axis: Role in the Provocation of Neurological Disorders. Metabolites, 12(11), 1064. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12111064
Ojha, S., Patil, N., Jain, M., Kole, C., & Kaushik, P. (2023). Probiotics for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systemic Review. Microorganisms, 11(4), 1083.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11041083
Sadowski, K., Zając, W., Milanowski, Ł., Koziorowski, D., & Figura, M. (2024). Exploring Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Modulating Inflammation in Parkinson’s Disease: A Review of Inflammatory Markers and Potential Effects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(14), 7741. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147741
Silva, Y. P., Bernardi, A., & Frozza, R. L. (2020). The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11(25). https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00025