Neurological Disorders and the Gut-Brain Axis

Preview this chapter:

Neurological Disorders and the Gut-Brain Axis, Page 1 of 1

< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/9789815324549/chapter-7-1.gif

The term "gut microbiota" refers to the group of microbes that reside in the GI tract, which extends from the mouth to the rectum. The term "microbiome," which refers to the substance of these microbes, is also used to describe this collection of microorganisms. A complex and reciprocal relationship between the stomach and the central nervous system (CNS), the gut-brain axis influences both health and disease. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, sympatho-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system (ANS), enteric nervous system (ENS), and descending monoaminergic pathways are the routes that are engaged in this communication. Mesenteric lymphoid tissues can become translocated with compounds produced by gut bacteria and molecular patterns associated with microbes due to dysbiosis in the gut and a weakened gut barrier. The complex immunological interaction between the gut bacteria and host cells allows for their mutually beneficial existence. When commensal bacteria are present, the gut's immune system must gently maintain equilibrium in order to continue performing its essential defensive role. Our goal is to understand how gut microbes relate to neurological conditions, particularly anxiety, depression, Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Further nutritional therapies can be utilized to improve overall gut health, induce eubiosis, and alter the composition of the gut microbiota and associated metabolites in addition to current medicinal approaches.