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Abstract
Key microbial metabolites may influence brain health and behavior through the gut-brain axis.
- Short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan derivatives, bile acids, and trimethylamine N-oxide are microbial metabolites associated with neuroimmune, neuroendocrine, and synaptic signaling.
- These metabolites may play a role in maintaining brain homeostasis or contributing to neurological disorders.
- Studies indicate that fecal microbiota transplantation from individuals with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders to rodents can transfer behavioral traits.
- While animal studies suggest a causal relationship, evidence from human studies largely remains correlational.
- There is potential for microbiome-derived biomarkers to aid in diagnosis and for developing targeted treatments like probiotics and metabolite-sequestering agents.
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