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Cocean AM, Vodnar DC. Exploring the gut-brain Axis: Potential therapeutic impact of Psychobiotics on mental health. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111073. [PMID: 38914414 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
One of the most challenging and controversial issues in microbiome research is related to gut microbial metabolism and neuropsychological disorders. Psychobiotics affect human behavior and central nervous system processes via the gut-brain axis, involving neuronal, immune, and metabolic pathways. They have therapeutic potential in the treatment of several neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as depression, anxiety, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, anorexia nervosa, and multiple sclerosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between psychobiotics and the abovementioned diseases need further exploration. This review focuses on the relationship between gut microbiota and its impact on neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, examining the potential of psychobiotics as a preventive and therapeutic approach, summarising recent research on the gut-brain axis and the potential beneficial effects of psychobiotics, highlighting the need for further research and investigation in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Cocean
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Dan Cristian Vodnar
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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2
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Sempach L, Doll JPK, Limbach V, Marzetta F, Schaub AC, Schneider E, Kettelhack C, Mählmann L, Schweinfurth-Keck N, Ibberson M, Lang UE, Schmidt A. Examining immune-inflammatory mechanisms of probiotic supplementation in depression: secondary findings from a randomized clinical trial. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:305. [PMID: 39048549 PMCID: PMC11269721 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
We recently indicated that four-week probiotic supplementation significantly reduced depression along with microbial and neural changes in people with depression. Here we further elucidated the biological modes of action underlying the beneficial clinical effects of probiotics by focusing on immune-inflammatory processes. The analysis included a total of N = 43 participants with depression, from which N = 19 received the probiotic supplement and N = 24 received a placebo over four weeks, in addition to treatment as usual. Blood and saliva were collected at baseline, at post-intervention (week 4) and follow-up (week 8) to assess immune-inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, CRP, MIF), gut-related hormones (ghrelin, leptin), and a stress marker (cortisol). Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes. Finally, we analyzed the associations between probiotic-induced clinical and immune-inflammatory changes. We observed a significant group x time interaction for the gut hormone ghrelin, indicative of an increase in the probiotics group. Additionally, the increase in ghrelin was correlated with the decrease in depressive symptoms in the probiotics group. Transcriptomic analyses identified 51 up- and 57 down-regulated genes, which were involved in functional pathways related to enhanced immune activity. We identified a probiotic-dependent upregulation of the genes ELANE, DEFA4 and OLFM4 associated to immune activation and ghrelin concentration. These results underscore the potential of probiotic supplementation to produce biological meaningful changes in immune activation in patients with depression. Further large-scale mechanistic trials are warranted to validate and extend our understanding of immune-inflammatory measures as potential biomarkers for stratification and treatment response in depression. Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov , identifier: NCT02957591.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Sempach
- Translational Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jessica P K Doll
- Translational Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Verena Limbach
- Translational Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Flavia Marzetta
- Vital-IT Group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Chiara Schaub
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Else Schneider
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Experimental Cognitive and Clinical Affective Neuroscience (ECAN) Laboratory, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cedric Kettelhack
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Mählmann
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Mark Ibberson
- Vital-IT Group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Undine E Lang
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - André Schmidt
- Translational Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Simon GE, Moise N, Mohr DC. Management of Depression in Adults: A Review. JAMA 2024; 332:141-152. [PMID: 38856993 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.5756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Importance Approximately 9% of US adults experience major depression each year, with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 17% for men and 30% for women. Observations Major depression is defined by depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, and associated psychological and somatic symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks. Evaluation should include structured assessment of severity as well as risk of self-harm, suspected bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms, substance use, and co-occurring anxiety disorder. First-line treatments include specific psychotherapies and antidepressant medications. A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials reported cognitive therapy, behavioral activation, problem-solving therapy, interpersonal therapy, brief psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy all had at least medium-sized effects in symptom improvement over usual care without psychotherapy (standardized mean difference [SMD] ranging from 0.50 [95% CI, 0.20-0.81] to 0.73 [95% CI, 0.52-0.95]). A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials reported 21 antidepressant medications all had small- to medium-sized effects in symptom improvement over placebo (SMD ranging from 0.23 [95% CI, 0.19-0.28] for fluoxetine to 0.48 [95% CI, 0.41-0.55] for amitriptyline). Psychotherapy combined with antidepressant medication may be preferred, especially for more severe or chronic depression. A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials reported greater symptom improvement with combined treatment than with psychotherapy alone (SMD, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.14-0.45]) or medication alone (SMD, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.20-0.47]). When initial antidepressant medication is not effective, second-line medication treatment includes changing antidepressant medication, adding a second antidepressant, or augmenting with a nonantidepressant medication, which have approximately equal likelihood of success based on a network meta-analysis. Collaborative care programs, including systematic follow-up and outcome assessment, improve treatment effectiveness, with 1 meta-analysis reporting significantly greater symptom improvement compared with usual care (SMD, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.23-0.61]). Conclusions and Relevance Effective first-line depression treatments include specific forms of psychotherapy and more than 20 antidepressant medications. Close monitoring significantly improves the likelihood of treatment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory E Simon
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
| | - Nathalie Moise
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - David C Mohr
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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Dal N, Bilici S. An Overview of the Potential Role of Nutrition in Mental Disorders in the Light of Advances in Nutripsychiatry. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:69-81. [PMID: 38329691 PMCID: PMC11133159 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00520-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As research on the potential impact of nutrition on mental disorders, a significant component of global disability continues to grow the concepts of "nutritional psychiatry, psycho-dietetics/nutripsychiatry" have taken their place in the literature. This review is a comprehensive examination of the literature on the the potential mechanisms between common mental disorders and nutrition and evaluates the effectiveness of dietary interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Inflammation, oxidative stress, intestinal microbiota, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neural plasticity are shown as potential mechanisms in the relationship between mental disorders and nutrition. As a matter of fact, neurotrophic factors, which make important contributions to repair mechanisms throughout life, and neuronal plasticity, which plays a role in mental disorders, are affected by nutritional factors. In metabolism, the antioxidant defense system works with nutritional cofactors and phytochemicals. A balanced, planned diet that provides these components is more likely to provide nutrients that increase resilience against the pathogenesis of mental disorders. Nutrition can be considered a risk factor for mental disorders. Therefore, developing public health strategies focused on improving diet may help reduce the global burden of mental disorders and other related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nursel Dal
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University, Balikesir, Turkey.
| | - Saniye Bilici
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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Averina OV, Poluektova EU, Zorkina YA, Kovtun AS, Danilenko VN. Human Gut Microbiota for Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5782. [PMID: 38891970 PMCID: PMC11171505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, depressive disorder is spreading rapidly all over the world. Therefore, attention to the studies of the pathogenesis of the disease in order to find novel ways of early diagnosis and treatment is increasing among the scientific and medical communities. Special attention is drawn to a biomarker and therapeutic strategy through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. It is known that the symbiotic interactions between the gut microbes and the host can affect mental health. The review analyzes the mechanisms and ways of action of the gut microbiota on the pathophysiology of depression. The possibility of using knowledge about the taxonomic composition and metabolic profile of the microbiota of patients with depression to select gene compositions (metagenomic signature) as biomarkers of the disease is evaluated. The use of in silico technologies (machine learning) for the diagnosis of depression based on the biomarkers of the gut microbiota is given. Alternative approaches to the treatment of depression are being considered by balancing the microbial composition through dietary modifications and the use of additives, namely probiotics, postbiotics (including vesicles) and prebiotics as psychobiotics, and fecal transplantation. The bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is under consideration as a promising new-generation probiotic and auxiliary diagnostic biomarker of depression. The analysis conducted in this review may be useful for clinical practice and pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V. Averina
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
| | - Elena U. Poluektova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
| | - Yana A. Zorkina
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Kropotkinsky per. 23, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 Named after N.A. Alekseev, Zagorodnoe Highway 2, 115191 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey S. Kovtun
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
| | - Valery N. Danilenko
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
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Gawlik-Kotelnicka O, Margulska A, Płeska K, Skowrońska A, Strzelecki D. Metabolic Status Influences Probiotic Efficacy for Depression-PRO-DEMET Randomized Clinical Trial Results. Nutrients 2024; 16:1389. [PMID: 38732635 PMCID: PMC11085729 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Probiotics may represent a safe and easy-to-use treatment option for depression or its metabolic comorbidities. However, it is not known whether metabolic features can influence the efficacy of probiotics treatments for depression. This trial involved a parallel-group, prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled design. In total, 116 participants with depression received a probiotic preparation containing Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 or placebo over 60 days. The psychometric data were assessed longitudinally at five time-points. Data for blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, complete blood count, serum levels of C-reactive protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were measured at the beginning of the intervention period. There was no advantage of probiotics usage over placebo in the depression score overall (PRO vs. PLC: F(1.92) = 0.58; p = 0.45). However, we found a higher rate of minimum clinically important differences in patients supplemented with probiotics than those allocated to placebo generally (74.5 vs. 53.5%; X2(1,n = 94) = 4.53; p = 0.03; NNT = 4.03), as well as in the antidepressant-treated subgroup. Moreover, we found that the more advanced the pre-intervention metabolic abnormalities (such as overweight, excessive central adipose tissue, and liver steatosis), the lower the improvements in psychometric scores. A higher baseline stress level was correlated with better improvements. The current probiotic formulations may only be used as complementary treatments for depressive disorders. Metabolic abnormalities may require more complex treatments. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04756544.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Gawlik-Kotelnicka
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka Street 251, 92-216 Lodz, Poland; (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Aleksandra Margulska
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka Street 8/10, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Kacper Płeska
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Kosciuszki Avenue 4, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Anna Skowrońska
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka Street 251, 92-216 Lodz, Poland; (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Dominik Strzelecki
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka Street 251, 92-216 Lodz, Poland; (A.S.); (D.S.)
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Dziedzic A, Maciak K, Bliźniewska-Kowalska K, Gałecka M, Kobierecka W, Saluk J. The Power of Psychobiotics in Depression: A Modern Approach through the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: A Literature Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1054. [PMID: 38613087 PMCID: PMC11013390 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis is a complex communication network linking the gut, microbiota, and brain, influencing various aspects of health and disease. Dysbiosis, a disturbance in the gut microbiome equilibrium, can significantly impact the MGB axis, leading to alterations in microbial composition and function. Emerging evidence highlights the connection between microbiota alterations and neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression. This review explores the potential of psychobiotics in managing depressive disorders, emphasizing their role in restoring microbial balance and influencing the MGB axis. Psychobiotics exhibit positive effects on the intestinal barrier, immune response, cortisol levels, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Studies suggest that probiotics may serve as an adjunct therapy for depression, especially in treatment-resistant cases. This review discusses key findings from studies on psychobiotics interventions, emphasizing their impact on the gut-brain axis and mental health. The increasing acceptance of the expanded concept of the MGB axis underscores the importance of microorganisms in mental well-being. As our understanding of the microbiome's role in health and disease grows, probiotics emerge as promising agents for addressing mental health issues, providing new avenues for therapeutic interventions in depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dziedzic
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biochemistry, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (W.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Karina Maciak
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biochemistry, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (W.K.); (J.S.)
| | | | - Małgorzata Gałecka
- Department of Psychotherapy, Medical University of Lodz, Aleksandrowska 159, 91-229 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Weronika Kobierecka
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biochemistry, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (W.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Joanna Saluk
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biochemistry, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (W.K.); (J.S.)
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Luqman A, He M, Hassan A, Ullah M, Zhang L, Rashid Khan M, Din AU, Ullah K, Wang W, Wang G. Mood and microbes: a comprehensive review of intestinal microbiota's impact on depression. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1295766. [PMID: 38404464 PMCID: PMC10884216 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1295766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is considered a multifaceted and intricate mental disorder of growing concern due to its significant impact on global health issues. The human gut microbiota, also known as the "second brain," has an important role in the CNS by regulating it through chemical, immunological, hormonal, and neurological processes. Various studies have found a significant bidirectional link between the brain and the gut, emphasizing the onset of depression therapies. The biological and molecular processes underlying depression and microbiota are required, as the bidirectional association may represent a novel study. However, profound insights into the stratification and diversity of the gut microbiota are still uncommon. This article investigates the emerging evidence of a bacterial relationship between the gut and the brain's neurological system and its potential pathogenicity and relevance. The interplay of microbiota, immune system, nervous system neurotransmitter synthesis, and neuroplasticity transitions is also widely studied. The consequences of stress, dietary fibers, probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics on the GB axis are being studied. Multiple studies revealed the processes underlying this axis and led to the development of effective microbiota-based drugs for both prevention and treatment. Therefore, the results support the hypothesis that gut microbiota influences depression and provide a promising area of research for an improved knowledge of the etiology of the disease and future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Luqman
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implant, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei He
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Adil Hassan
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implant, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Materials and Devices, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Mehtab Ullah
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implant, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Muhammad Rashid Khan
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implant, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ahmad Ud Din
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Kamran Ullah
- Department of Biology, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Wei Wang
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implant, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
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Zhao Z, Xiao G, Xia J, Guo H, Yang X, Jiang Q, Wang H, Hu J, Zhang C. Effectiveness of probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic treatments on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Affect Disord 2023; 343:9-21. [PMID: 37734624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety can adversely affect human well-being. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of interventions that alter the gut microbes (including probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics) on anxiety. METHODS A systematic meta-analysis of the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on anxiety was conducted by searching randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 13 databases. The primary outcomes were the pre- and post-intervention anxiety scores in the intervention and placebo groups. Anxiety scores were extracted as standard mean differences (SMDs) and pooled based on a random effects model. Subgroup analyses of anxiety scales, health status, gastrointestinal symptoms, flora strains, treatment type, probiotic dose, region, and treatment duration were also performed. RESULTS 29 RCTs (2035 participants) were included, revealing that both probiotics and synbiotics significantly reduced anxiety scores. Additionally, anxiety scores did not significantly reduce when comparing prebiotics and placebos. LIMITATIONS Owing to the small combined effect size of probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic treatments and the relatively few studies on prebiotics and synbiotics included in the analysis, the findings of probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic treatments are preliminary. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that probiotics and synbiotics can reduce anxiety scores; however, it might be premature to conclude their clinical efficacy in alleviating anxiety due to the small effect size. There is no consensus regarding the optimal dose, treatment duration, treatment type, or probiotic strain to improve anxiety. Moreover, the mechanisms by which probiotics and synbiotics improve anxiety remain unclear. More RCTs are needed to determine the mechanisms of action and to identify appropriate markers to clarify their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziran Zhao
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Gui Xiao
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jieqiong Xia
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Honghua Guo
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaji Hu
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Caihong Zhang
- International Nursing School, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
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Uceda S, Echeverry-Alzate V, Reiriz-Rojas M, Martínez-Miguel E, Pérez-Curiel A, Gómez-Senent S, Beltrán-Velasco AI. Gut Microbial Metabolome and Dysbiosis in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Psychobiotics and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation as a Therapeutic Approach-A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13294. [PMID: 37686104 PMCID: PMC10487945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The comprehensive narrative review conducted in this study delves into the mechanisms of communication and action at the molecular level in the human organism. The review addresses the complex mechanism involved in the microbiota-gut-brain axis as well as the implications of alterations in the microbial composition of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. The pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases with neuronal loss or death is analyzed, as well as the mechanisms of action of the main metabolites involved in the bidirectional communication through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In addition, interventions targeting gut microbiota restructuring through fecal microbiota transplantation and the use of psychobiotics-pre- and pro-biotics-are evaluated as an opportunity to reduce the symptomatology associated with neurodegeneration in these pathologies. This review provides valuable information and facilitates a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms to be addressed in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Uceda
- BRABE Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Echeverry-Alzate
- BRABE Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Reiriz-Rojas
- BRABE Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Martínez-Miguel
- Health Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-Curiel
- Health Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Gómez-Senent
- Health Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, 28240 Madrid, Spain
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