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Basso M, Zorzan I, Johnstone N, Barberis M, Cohen Kadosh K. Diet quality and anxiety: a critical overview with focus on the gut microbiome. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1346483. [PMID: 38812941 PMCID: PMC11133642 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1346483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders disproportionally affect females and are frequently comorbid with eating disorders. With the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry, focus has been put on the impact of diet quality in anxiety pathophysiology and gut microbiome underlying mechanisms. While the relationship between diet and anxiety is bidirectional, improving dietary habits could better facilitate the actions of pharmacological and psychological therapies, or prevent their use. A better understanding of how gut bacteria mediate and moderate such relationship could further contribute to develop personalized programs and inform probiotics and prebiotics manufacturing. To date, studies that look simultaneously at diet, the gut microbiome, and anxiety are missing as only pairwise relationships among them have been investigated. Therefore, this study aims at summarizing and integrating the existing knowledge on the dietary effects on anxiety with focus on gut microbiome. Findings on the effects of diet on anxiety are critically summarized and reinterpreted in relation to findings on (i) the effects of diet on the gut microbiome composition, and (ii) the associations between the abundance of certain gut bacteria and anxiety. This novel interpretation suggests a theoretical model where the relationship between diet and anxiety is mediated and/or modulated by the gut microbiome through multiple mechanisms. In parallel, this study critically evaluates methodologies employed in the nutritional field to investigate the effects of diet on anxiety highlighting a lack of systematic operationalization and assessment strategies. Therefore, it ultimately proposes a novel evidence-based approach that can enhance studies validity, reliability, systematicity, and translation to clinical and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Basso
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Zorzan
- Molecular Systems Biology, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Mathematical and Computational Biology, CMCB, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Johnstone
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Barberis
- Molecular Systems Biology, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Mathematical and Computational Biology, CMCB, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Synthetic Systems Biology and Nuclear Organization, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kathrin Cohen Kadosh
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Rusch JA, Layden BT, Dugas LR. Signalling cognition: the gut microbiota and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1130689. [PMID: 37404311 PMCID: PMC10316519 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1130689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive function in humans depends on the complex and interplay between multiple body systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The gut microbiota, which vastly outnumbers human cells and has a genetic potential that exceeds that of the human genome, plays a crucial role in this interplay. The microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis is a bidirectional signalling pathway that operates through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. One of the major neuroendocrine systems responding to stress is the HPA axis which produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents. Appropriate concentrations of cortisol are essential for normal neurodevelopment and function, as well as cognitive processes such as learning and memory, and studies have shown that microbes modulate the HPA axis throughout life. Stress can significantly impact the MGB axis via the HPA axis and other pathways. Animal research has advanced our understanding of these mechanisms and pathways, leading to a paradigm shift in conceptual thinking about the influence of the microbiota on human health and disease. Preclinical and human trials are currently underway to determine how these animal models translate to humans. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge of the relationship between the gut microbiota, HPA axis, and cognition, and provide an overview of the main findings and conclusions in this broad field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody A. Rusch
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- C17 Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Groote Schuur Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian T. Layden
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lara R. Dugas
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Public Health Sciences, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
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Morales-Torres R, Carrasco-Gubernatis C, Grasso-Cladera A, Cosmelli D, Parada FJ, Palacios-García I. Psychobiotic Effects on Anxiety Are Modulated by Lifestyle Behaviors: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial on Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071706. [PMID: 37049546 PMCID: PMC10096963 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychobiotics are modulators of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (MGBA) with promising benefits to mental health. Lifestyle behaviors are established modulators of both mental health and the MGBA. This randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT04823533) on healthy adults (N = 135) tested 4 weeks of probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175). We assessed effects on wellbeing, quality of life, emotional regulation, anxiety, mindfulness and interoceptive awareness. We then analyzed if lifestyle behaviors modulated probiotic effectiveness. Results showed no significant effects of probiotic intake in whole sample outcomes. Correlational analyses revealed Healthy Behaviors were significantly correlated with wellbeing across scales. Moreover, the linear mixed-effects model showed that the interaction between high scores in Healthy Behaviors and probiotic intake was the single significant predictor of positive effects on anxiety, emotional regulation, and mindfulness in post-treatment outcomes. These findings highlight the relevance of controlling for lifestyle behaviors in psychobiotic and mental health research.
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Brett BE, Doumbia HOY, Koko BK, Koffi FK, Assa SE, Zahé KYAS, Kort R, Sybesma W, Reid G, de Weerth C. Normative cognition and the effects of a probiotic food intervention in first grade children in Côte d'Ivoire. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19491. [PMID: 36376341 PMCID: PMC9663712 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23797-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cognitive skills critical for success have largely been studied in Western populations, despite the fact that children in low- and middle-income countries are at risk to not reach their full developmental potential. Moreover, scientists should leverage recent discovery to explore means of boosting cognition in at-risk populations. This semi-randomized controlled trial examined normative cognitive development and whether it could be enhanced by consumption of a probiotic food in a sample of 251 4- to 7-year-old children in urban schools in Côte d'Ivoire. Participants completed executive functioning measures at baseline (T1) and 5 months later (T2). After T1, children in one school received a probiotic (N = 74) or placebo (N = 79) fermented dairy food every day they were in school for one semester; children in the other school (N = 98) continued their diet as usual. Children improved on all tests across time (Cohen's d = 0.08-0.30). The effects of probiotic ingestion were inconclusive and are interpreted with caution due to socio-political factors affecting daily administration. Given the general feasibility of the study, we hope that it will serve as an inspiration for future research into child development and sustainable (health-promoting) interventions for school children in developing nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie E. Brett
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bruno K. Koko
- UFR Biosciences, Université Félix Houghouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | | | - Savorgnan E. Assa
- UFR Biosciences, Université Félix Houghouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | | | - Remco Kort
- Yoba For Life Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gregor Reid
- grid.415847.b0000 0001 0556 2414Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University, London, Canada
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Mahboobi S, Ghasvarian M, Ghaem H, Alipour H, Alipour S, Eftekhari MH. Effects of probiotic and magnesium co-supplementation on mood, cognition, intestinal barrier function and inflammation in individuals with obesity and depressed mood: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1018357. [PMID: 36245482 PMCID: PMC9555745 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1018357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The co-occurrence of obesity and mood impairments named as “metabolic mood syndrome” (MMS) is often neglected in the obesity management. This study aimed to evaluate effects of Probio-Tec ®BG-VCap-6.5 and magnesium co-supplementation on mood, cognition, intestinal barrier function and serum C reactive protein (CRP) levels in participants with obesity and depressed mood. Design Seventy-four eligible participants were randomly allocated to either Probio-Tec®BG-VCap-6.5 [containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis (BB-12®)] + Magnesium chloride or placebo for 9 weeks. Sociodemographic data were collected in the beginning. Anthropometric, dietary and physical activity (PA) assessments were carried out. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were assessed through validated questionnaires. Fasting plasma zonulin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and (CRP) were measured by ELIZA kits. Results Of seventy-four participants (mean age 37.51 ± 8.10), 52 completed the study. Changes in serum LPS and zonulin were not different significantly between groups (−3.04 ± 44.75 ng/dl, 0.11 ± 5.13, ng/dl, p > 0.05 for LPS and 1.40 ± 48.78 ng/dl, −0.17 ± 6.60, p > 0.05 for zonulin, respectively). CRP levels reduced significantly in intervention group compared to placebo [−474.75 (−1,300.00, −125.00) mg/l vs. 175.20 (−957.75, 1,683.25) mg/l, p = 0.016]. Changes in BDI-II and MoCA scores were not significantly different between intervention (−7.13 ± 5.67, 1.20 ± 2.16, respectively) and placebo (−5.42 ± 6.71, 1.94 ± 1.86, respectively) groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Nine weeks of probiotic and magnesium co-supplementation resulted in decreased CRP levels as an indicator of inflammatory state with no significant effects on mood, cognition and intestinal integrity in individuals with obesity and depressed mood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mahboobi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ghasvarian
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Haleh Ghaem
- Department of Epidemiology, Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Alipour
- Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shohreh Alipour
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Eftekhari
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Hassan Eftekhari
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