Focus on the gut-brain axis

[Petr75]

2023 Oct 15
Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, SYR
Unraveling the Gut-Brain Axis in Multiple Sclerosis: Exploring Dysbiosis, Oxidative Stress, and Therapeutic Insights
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38022314/

Abstract

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and multiple sclerosis (MS), shedding light on the potential therapeutic avenues for this complex autoimmune disease. It emphasizes the multifactorial nature of MS, including genetic, environmental, and gender-related factors. Furthermore, the article highlights the emerging role of gut microbiota in MS pathophysiology, particularly in terms of gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and inflammasome activation within the gut-brain axis. This interplay raises intriguing questions about how the gut microbiota influences the onset and progression of MS. Environmental factors, such as diet and pollutants, add further layers of complexity to the connection between gut health and MS risk. This review also discusses promising therapeutic interventions, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, dietary adjustments, and gut-derived metabolites that offer potential avenues for managing MS. It underscores the need for ongoing research to fully unravel the complexities of the role of the gut-brain axis in MS. Ultimately, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of the topic, offering hope for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies that could significantly improve the lives of individuals affected by this challenging autoimmune condition.

[NHE]

Gut Microbiota Linked to Stroke Severity

The composition of the gut microbiota influences the likelihood of severe strokes. A healthy digestive ecology also reduces the risk of AD.

Terry Graedon - April 25, 2024

https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/article ... e-severity

We have been hearing increasingly about connections between the brain and the gut microbiota. Research from the Cleveland Clinic has demonstrated two fascinating links. First, scientists found that the denizens of the digestive tract impact the severity of strokes. The types of microbes in the intestines also affect how much impairment results (Cell Host & Microbe, June 16, 2021). Just recently, they have uncovered a link between gut microbes and the risk for Alzheimer's disease.

What’s the Story on Gut Microbiota?

Certain microbes produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) when they metabolize red meat and choline from animal sources. This compound reduces the flexibility of the lining of the blood vessels (Hypertension, July 2020). Moreover, studies in humans show that high levels of TMAO in the blood indicate a higher risk of stroke.

In animal research, intestinal microbes that produce more TMAO made experimental strokes more serious. The researchers adjusted the gut microbiota of the mice with fecal transplants. Higher levels of TMAO were associated with more brain damage and long-lasting functional deficits. In addition, these researchers identified the microbial gene responsible, cutC.

Dietary Changes to Shape the Microbiota:

Shifting the diet to reduce TMAO, especially limiting eggs and meat, also reduced stroke severity in this study. In light of these animal data, the scientists suggest a plant-rich diet to lower TMAO and help protect the brain from strokes.

Another reason to aim for optimal gut microbiota balance also highlights the brain. A recent review found that “dysbiosis”–microbe imbalance–is associated with a higher chance of Alzheimer's disease (Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, May 28, 2021).

How Metabolites Affect the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease:

In a recent study, scientists at the Cleveland Clinic used artificial intelligence tools to sniff out relationships between hundreds of metabolites of gut microbes and specific receptors in the brain (Cell Reports, May 28, 2024). They needed the artificial intelligence to sort out more than a million connections between metabolites produced by gut microbes and sites in the brain known as GPCR.

These G-protein-coupled receptors interact with a particular metabolite called agmatine. This analysis demonstrates that agmatine can help protect against damage associated with Alzheimer disease. The GPCR it activates seems to reduce the buildup of tau, a toxic substance in the brain. We don’t yet know how how people might be able to increase levels of this metabolite if they wished to. Consequently, we’re hoping that the researchers at the Cleveland Clinic will keep looking into this question.

Learn More:

If you would like more information about how to feed your gut microbiota properly, you may wish to listen to our interview on the topic. Drs. Justin and Erica Sonnenburg describe how to care of those important microbes that help keep us healthy. It is Show 1156: How the Microbiota in the Good Gut Takes Care of You.