Volume 33, Issue 1, 2024
DOI: 10.53555/03276716.2024.05
Deciphering The Gut-Brain Connection: Insights Into Neurodegenerative Disorders
Abstract
The complex interaction between the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system has become a captivating area of study, particularly about neurodegenerative diseases. This review critically examines the evolving understanding of the gut-brain axis and its significant implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The gut-brain axis represents a two-way communication system that involves neural, hormonal, and immunological pathways, which are mediated by the gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and the enteric nervous system. Disruption of this axis has been implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. We delve into the role of gut dysbiosis in neuroinflammation, exploring how changes in the composition of the gut microbiota can trigger immune responses that affect neuronal function and survival. Additionally, we discuss the impact of microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters, on neuroprotective mechanisms, providing insight into the intricate communication between the gut and the brain. In the case of Alzheimer's disease, accumulating evidence suggests a connection between gut dysbiosis, amyloid-beta deposition, and neuroinflammation, opening up possibilities for microbiota-targeted interventions aimed at slowing down disease progression. Similarly, in Parkinson's disease, alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota have been linked to the aggregation of alpha-synuclein and motor dysfunction, indicating the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating the gut microbiot to alleviate symptoms and alter the course of the disease.
Keywords
Neurodegenerative, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), gut microbiota