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Modulating depression through the gut–brain axis: the role of gut microbiota in therapeutic interventions
How gut bacteria may influence depression and its treatment through the gut-brain connection
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Abstract
Depression is increasingly linked to gut microbiota through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
- Alterations in gut microbial composition may influence depressive symptoms through neurochemical, immunological, and neuroendocrine pathways.
- Key mechanisms include the modulation of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels, as well as systemic inflammation and HPA axis dysregulation.
- Emerging evidence suggests gut microbiota could affect the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) via vagal pathways.
- A distinct microbial signature has been identified in individuals with depression, with therapeutic probiotics targeting this dysbiosis showing potential benefits.
- The review evaluates the therapeutic potential of probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and dietary interventions for managing depression.
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