The Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on the Gut-Brain Axis in Psychiatric Patients

Microbiome and metabolome analyses indicate variations in the gut microbiota that disrupt regulation of appetite

The mechanism connecting gut microbiota to appetite regulation is not yet fully understood. This study identifies specific microbial community and metabolites that may influence appetite regulation. In the initial phase of the study, mice were administered a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail (ABX) for 10 days. The treatment significantly reduced gut microbes and disrupted the metabolism of arginine and tryptophan. Consequently, ABX-treated mice demonstrated a notable reduction in feed consumption. The hypothalamic expression levels of CART and POMC, two key anorexigenic factors, were significantly increased, while orexigenic factors, such as NPY and AGRP, were decreased. Notably, the levels of appetite-suppressing hormone cholecystokinin in the blood were significantly elevated. In the second phase, control mice were maintained, while the ABX-treated mice received saline, probiotics, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) for an additional 10 days to restore their gut microbiota. The microbiota reconstructed by probiotic and SCFA treatments were quite similar, while microbiota of the naturally recovering mice demonstrated greater resemblance to that of the control mice. Notably, the abundance of Akkermansia and Bacteroides genera significantly increased in the reconstructed microbiota. Moreover, microbiota reconstruction corrected the disrupted arginine and tryptophan metabolism and the abnormal peripheral hormone levels caused by ABX treatment. Among the groups, SCFA-treated mice had the highest feed intake and NPY expression. Our findings indicate that gut microbes, especially Akkermansia, regulate arginine and tryptophan metabolism, thereby influencing appetite through the microbe-gut-brain axis.

Probiotic Functions in Fermented Foods: Anti-Viral, Immunomodulatory, and Anti-Cancer Benefits

Fermented foods can provide many benefits to our health. These foods are created by the action of microorganisms and help support our digestive health and immune system. Fermented foods include yogurt, kimchi, pickles, kefir, beer, wine, and more. Fermented foods contain probiotics, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast, organic acids, ethanol, or antimicrobial compounds, which help balance the gut microbiome and improve digestive health. Fermented foods can also benefit your overall health by increasing the diversity of your gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. By routinely consuming fermented foods with these benefits, we can continue to improve our health. Probiotics from fermented foods are beneficial strains of bacteria that are safe for human health and constitute an important component of human health, even for children and the elderly. Probiotics can have a positive impact on your health, especially by helping to balance your gut microbiome and improve digestive health. Probiotics can also boost your immune system and reduce inflammation, which can benefit your overall health. Probiotics, which can be consumed in the diet or in supplement form, are found in many different types of foods and beverages. Research is continuing to investigate the health effects of probiotics and how they can be utilized. The potential mechanisms of probiotics include anti-cancer activity, preventing and treating immune system-related diseases, and slowing the development of Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. This is due to the gut-brain axis of probiotics, which provides a range of health benefits beyond the digestive and gastrointestinal systems. Probiotics reduce tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins through the nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. They have been shown to protect against colon cancer and colitis by interfering with the adhesion of harmful bacteria in the gut. This article is based on clinical and review studies identified in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, and a systematic review of clinical studies was performed.

Exploring Therapeutic Potential of Phytoconstituents as a Gut Microbiota Modulator in the Management of Neurological and Psychological Disorders

The functioning of the brain and its impact on behavior, emotions, and cognition can be affected by both neurological and psychiatric disorders that impose a significant burden on global health. Phytochemicals are helpful in the treatment of several neurological and psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), because they have symptomatic benefits with few adverse reactions. Changes in gut microbiota have been associated with many neurological and psychiatric conditions. This review focuses on the potential efficacy of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols in regulating gut flora and providing symptomatic relief for a range of neurological and psychological conditions. Evidence-based research has shown the medicinal potentials of these phytochemicals, but additional study is required to determine whether altering gut microbiota might slow the advancement of neurological and psychological problems.

Evaluation of Neuro-Hormonal Dynamics after the Administration of Probiotic Microbial Strains in a Murine Model of Hyperthyroidism

The microbiota-gut-brain axis has received increasing attention in recent years through its bidirectional communication system, governed by the ability of gut microorganisms to generate and regulate a wide range of neurotransmitters in the host body. In this research, we delve into the intricate area of microbial endocrinology by exploring the dynamic oscillations in neurotransmitter levels within plasma and brain samples. Our experimental model involved inducing hyperthyroidism in mice after a "probiotic load" timeframe using two strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii, and their combination). These probiotic interventions continued throughout the experiment and were intended to uncover potential modulatory effects on neurotransmitter levels and discern if certain probiotic strains exhibit any protection from hyperthyroidism. Moreover, we aimed to outline the eventual connections between the gut microbiota and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. As our study reveals, there are significant fluctuations in crucial neurotransmitters within the hyperthyroidism model, related to the specific probiotic strain or combination. These findings could support future therapeutic approaches, help healthcare professionals choose between different probiotic therapies, and also allow us proceed with caution when administering such treatments, depending on the health status of hyperthyroid patients.

Role of Inflammatory Mechanisms in Major Depressive Disorder: From Etiology to Potential Pharmacological Targets

The involvement of central and peripheral inflammation in the pathogenesis and prognosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been demonstrated. The increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α) in individuals with depression may elicit neuroinflammatory processes and peripheral inflammation, mechanisms that, in turn, can contribute to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Together, neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis induce alterations in tryptophan metabolism, culminating in decreased serotonin synthesis, impairments in neuroplasticity-related mechanisms, and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. This review aims to highlight the inflammatory mechanisms (neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, and gut dysbiosis) involved in the pathophysiology of MDD and to explore novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches for this psychiatric disturbance. Several lines of evidence have indicated that in addition to antidepressants, physical exercise, probiotics, and nutraceuticals (agmatine, ascorbic acid, and vitamin D) possess anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to their antidepressant properties. Further studies are necessary to explore the therapeutic benefits of these alternative therapies for MDD.

Harnessing the power of nutritional antioxidants against adrenal hormone imbalance-associated oxidative stress

Oxidative stress, resulting from dysregulation in the secretion of adrenal hormones, represents a major concern in human health. The present review comprehensively examines various categories of endocrine dysregulation within the adrenal glands, encompassing glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Additionally, a comprehensive account of adrenal hormone disorders, including adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, and adrenal tumors, is presented, with particular emphasis on their intricate association with oxidative stress. The review also delves into an examination of various nutritional antioxidants, namely vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, and probiotics, and elucidates their role in mitigating the adverse effects of oxidative stress arising from imbalances in adrenal hormone levels. In conclusion, harnessing the power of nutritional antioxidants has the potential to help with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in adrenal hormones. This could lead to new research and therapeutic interventions.