Current Understanding of How Gut Bacteria and the Gut-Brain Connection Influence Inflammatory Bowel Disease and New Treatments

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with reduced microbial alpha diversity and an increase in pro-inflammatory pathobionts.

• Dysbiosis in IBD is characterized by a decrease in beneficial gut microbes that help regulate the immune system.
• Compromised epithelial barrier function and increased bacterial translocation are observed in the presence of dysbiosis.
• Chronic mucosal inflammation in IBD may be sustained by the interplay between dysbiosis and the immune response.
• Emerging evidence suggests that communication between the gut and brain could influence both peripheral inflammation and behavioral issues.
• Next-generation interventions include fecal microbiota transplantation, live biotherapeutic products, targeted phage therapies, and dietary strategies.

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