Effects of the intestinal microbiota on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development of post-stress neuro-inflammation

Abstract

A number of alleles of polymorphic genes, dysfunctions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmitter disorders, and manifestations of immune dysregulation are associated with vulnerability to stress. Post-stress states of humans and animals are accompanied by signs of neuroinflammation, the causes and mechanisms of which remain to be elucidated. The article discusses epigenetic mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota might participate in the initiation and maintenance of post-stress inflammation.