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Brain Research Bulletin Feb 2024The link between drug-induced dysbiosis and its influence on brain diseases through gut-residing bacteria and their metabolites, named the microbiota-gut-brain axis... (Review)
Review
The link between drug-induced dysbiosis and its influence on brain diseases through gut-residing bacteria and their metabolites, named the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA), remains largely unexplored. This review investigates the effects of commonly prescribed drugs (metformin, statins, proton-pump-inhibitors, NSAIDs, and anti-depressants) on the gut microbiota, comparing the findings with altered bacterial populations in major brain diseases (depression, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's). The report aims to explore whether drugs can influence the development and progression of brain diseases via the MGBA. Central findings indicate that all explored drugs induce dysbiosis. These dysbiosis patterns were associated with brain disorders. The influence on brain diseases varied across different bacterial taxa, possibly mediated by direct effects or through bacterial metabolites. Each drug induced both positive and negative changes in the abundance of bacteria, indicating a counterbalancing effect. Moreover, the above-mentioned drugs exhibited similar effects, suggesting that they may counteract or enhance each other's effects on brain diseases when taken together by comorbid patients. In conclusion, the interplay of bacterial species and their abundances may have a greater impact on brain diseases than individual drugs or bacterial strains. Future research is needed to better understand drug-induced dysbiosis and the implications for brain disease pathogenesis, with the potential to develop more effective therapeutic options for patients with brain-related diseases.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Brain-Gut Axis; Dysbiosis; Brain Diseases; Brain; Mitoguazone
PubMed: 38244807
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110883 -
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition... May 2024Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota and its metabolites regulate neurodevelopment and cognitive functioning via a bi-directional communication system... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota and its metabolites regulate neurodevelopment and cognitive functioning via a bi-directional communication system known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA).
RECENT FINDINGS
The MGBA influences brain development and function via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the vagal nerve, immune signaling, bacterial production of neurotransmitters, and microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan derivatives, and bile acids. Animal studies show fetal neurodevelopment is mediated by maternal microbiota derivatives, immune activation, and diet. Furthermore, manipulation of the microbiota during critical windows of development, like antibiotic exposure and fecal microbiota transplantation, can affect cognitive functioning and behavior in mice. Evidence from human studies, particularly in preterm infants, also suggests that a disrupted gut microbiota colonization may negatively affect neurodevelopment. Early microbial signatures were linked to favorable and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
SUMMARY
The link between the gut microbiota and the brain is evident. Future studies, including experimental studies, larger participant cohort studies with longitudinal analyses of microbes, their metabolites, and neurotransmitters, and randomized controlled trials are warranted to further elucidate the mechanisms of the MGBA. Identification of early, predictive microbial markers could pave the way for the development of novel early microbiota-based intervention strategies, such as targeted probiotics, and vaginal or fecal microbiota transplantation, aimed at improving infant neurodevelopment.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mice; Brain; Infant, Premature; Microbiota; Mitoguazone; Neurotransmitter Agents
PubMed: 38488112
DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000001028