The communication mechanism of the gut-brain axis and its effect on central nervous system diseases: A systematic review
Shengwen Lu, Qiqi Zhao, Yu Guan, Zhiwen Sun, Wenhao Li, Sifan Guo, Aihua Zhang
Abstract
Gut microbiota is involved in intricate and active metabolic processes the host's brain function, especially its role in immune responses, secondary metabolism, and symbiotic connections with the host. Gut microbiota can promote the production of essential metabolites, neurotransmitters, and other neuroactive chemicals that affect the development and treatment of central nervous system diseases. This article introduces the relevant pathways and manners of the communication between the brain and gut, summarizes a comprehensive overview of the current research status of key gut microbiota metabolites that affect the functions of the nervous system, revealing those adverse factors that affect typical communication between the brain-gut axis, and outlining the efforts made by researchers to alleviate these neurological diseases through targeted microbial interventions. The relevant pathways and manners of communication between the brain and gut contribute to the experimental design of new treatment plans and drug development. The factors that may cause changes in gut microbiota and affect metabolites, as well as current intervention methods are summarized, which helps improve gut microbiota brain dialogue, prevent adverse triggering factors from interfering with the gut microbiota system, and minimize neuropathological changes. • Gut-brain axis serves as a crucial link in bidirectional communication between gut and brain. • This review provides a comprehensive status on the gut-brain axis. • It provides various factors for exploring potential interventions for gut-brain axis disorders. • New research strategies for neurological diseases towards understanding treatment. • Understanding the relevant pathways between brain and gut contribute to drug development.