Bidirectional crosstalk between the gut microbiota and cellular compartments of brain: Implications for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders

Abstract

The gut-brain axis serves as a crucial communication pathway, with microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) playing a central role in regulating neuroinflammation and maintaining neuronal health. The gut microbiota’s impact on neurodevelopment is highlighted, particularly its relevance to autism, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. In this review, we explored the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota (GM) and the central nervous system (CNS), emphasizing the bidirectional communication that forms the gut-brain axis. Associations between specific gut microbiota and neurodegenerative diseases are explored, focusing on the role of certain bacteria in processes such as amyloid aggregation and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The potential for therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiota is discussed, with a focus on dietary interventions and probiotics as strategies to improve outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases by restoring gut health. We concluded by emphasizing the significance of understanding the gut-brain connection and calls for further research to investigate therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiome for brain health.