Authors:
Namhee Kim, Misun Yun, Young Joon Oh & Hak-Jong Choi

Abstract:

It is increasingly evident that bidirectional interactions exist among the gastrointestinal tract, the enteric nervous system, and the central nervous system. Recent preclinical and clinical trials have shown that gut microbiota plays an important role in these gut-brain interactions. Furthermore, alterations in gut microbiota composition may be associated with changes in various neurological and psychological conditions, including stress, autism, and depression. Therefore, the concepts of the microbiota-gut-brain axis are emerging. Here, we review the role of gut microbiota in bidirectional interactions between the gut and the brain, including neural, immune-mediated, and metabolic mechanisms. We highlight recent advances in the understanding of probiotic influences on neurological and neuropsychiatric function via the gut-brain axis.