How the Gut Microbiome and Brain Interact During Adolescence: Growth, Processes, and Possible Treatments

Adolescence is identified as a second sensitive period for gut microbiome development, impacting brain function.

• The gut microbiome undergoes significant changes during adolescence, affecting microbial composition and immune function.
• Key neurodevelopmental processes, like synaptic pruning and dopaminergic refinement, coincide with microbial transitions.
• Cross-species comparisons indicate similarities in adolescent development milestones between rodents and humans.
• Environmental factors such as diet, stress, and antibiotics influence both microbial and neural maturation during this period.
• Microbial metabolites and immune mediators may connect gut microbiome changes to adolescent brain function.

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