Title:The Interplay Between Gut Microbiota and Central Nervous System
Volume: 29
Issue: 41
Author(s): Teresa Gervasi*Giuseppina Mandalari
Affiliation:
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina 98166, Italy
Keywords:
Gut microbiota, psychobiotics, brain axis, neurodegenerative disorders, alcohogut microbiota, alcohol.
Abstract: This review highlights the relationships between gastrointestinal microorganisms and the brain. The
gut microbiota communicates with the central nervous system through nervous, endocrine, and immune signalling
mechanisms. Our brain can modulate the gut microbiota structure and function through the autonomic
nervous system, and possibly through neurotransmitters which directly act on bacterial gene expression. In this
context, oxidative stress is one the main factors involved in the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis and consequently
in neurodegenerative disorders. Several factors influence the susceptibility to oxidative stress by altering
the antioxidant status or free oxygen radical generation. Amongst these, of interest is alcohol, a commonly
used substance which can negatively influence the central nervous system and gut microbiota, with a key role
in the development of neurodegenerative disorder. The role of “psychobiotics” as a novel contrast strategy for
preventing and treating disorders caused due to alcohol use and abuse has been investigated.