Probiotic and microbial modulation of polyamine production: an emerging avenue for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative disorders

Feb 20, 2026Amino acids

How probiotics and microbes may boost protective brain chemicals in neurodegenerative diseases

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Abstract

Chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted cellular homeostasis are critical issues in neurodegenerative disorders.

Polyamines, including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are important for neuronal function and protection against cellular stress.
Spermidine-induced autophagy is linked to increased neuronal longevity and cognitive resilience.
Probiotics and specific gut microbes can influence host polyamine production through the gut-brain axis.
Microbial modulation may restore polyamine balance and enhance antioxidant defenses while reducing neuroinflammation.
Targeting microbiota-driven polyamine synthesis could represent a non-invasive strategy for neuroprotection.

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Neurodegenerative disorders are an Critical worldwide issue, characterized by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive decline with limited effective therapies. A central problem in these conditions is chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted cellular homeostasis. Polyamines, such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine-small molecules-play vital roles in maintaining neuronal function, regulating autophagy, and protecting against cellular stress. Notably, spermidine-induced autophagy has emerged as a key mechanism linking polyamine metabolism to neuronal longevity and cognitive resilience. Recent studies highlight that probiotics and specific gut microbes can effectively modulate host polyamine production through the gut-brain axis, influencing neural health. This microbial modulation has been shown to restore polyamine balance, enhance antioxidant defenses, and reduce neuroinflammatory responses. Targeting microbiota-driven polyamine synthesis is emerging as a promising, non-invasive approach for neuroprotection. This review consolidates the current understanding of polyamine biology and microbial influences, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Exploring these interactions offers new avenues for innovation in combatting neurodegenerative disorders.

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Probiotic and microbial modulation of polyamine production: an emerging avenue for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

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