Impacts of microbiota and its metabolites through gut-brain axis on pathophysiology of major depressive disorder

Jun 12, 2024Life sciences

How gut bacteria and their byproducts may influence the brain and symptoms in major depression

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Abstract

Intestinal symptoms may accompany individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).

The microbiota-gut-brain axis indicates a two-way communication between gut bacteria and the brain.
Intestinal microorganisms and their metabolites could influence MDD through immune and inflammatory pathways.
Metabolites such as tryptophan and kynurenic acid may affect the permeability of the gut and blood-brain barrier.
Gut microbes may also interact with intestinal neurons and glial cells, impacting nerve function.

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Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by a high rate of recurrence and disability, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. That's why a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of MDD pathology is an urgent task, and some studies have found that intestinal symptoms accompany people with MDD. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, which was found to have a strong association with the pathogenesis of MDD. Previous studies have focused more on the communication between the gut and the brain through neuroendocrine, neuroimmune and autonomic pathways, and the role of gut microbes and their metabolites in depression is unclear. Metabolites of intestinal microorganisms (e.g., tryptophan, kynurenic acid, indole, and lipopolysaccharide) can participate in the pathogenesis of MDD through immune and inflammatory pathways or by altering the permeability of the gut and blood-brain barrier. In addition, intestinal microbes can communicate with intestinal neurons and glial cells to affect the integrity and function of intestinal nerves. However, the specific role of gut microbes and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of MDD is not well understood. Hence, the present review summarizes how gut microbes and their metabolites are directly or indirectly involved in the pathogenesis of MDD.

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Impacts of microbiota and its metabolites through gut-brain axis on pathophysiology of major depressive disorder

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