Keywords
Brain
Psychiatry
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Abstract
Objective: To understand the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences brain function and its relationship with neuropsychiatric disorders. Literature review: The gastrointestinal tract harbors trillions of microorganisms that form the gut microbiota, which interacts with the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis. This bidirectional communication occurs via neural, hormonal, immunological, and metabolic pathways. Intestinal dysbiosis compromises the gut barrier, promoting inflammation and the passage of neurotoxic substances to the CNS. This imbalance is associated with the development and worsening of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Moreover, various intestinal bacterial species, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, have a direct influence on the modulation of neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), serotonin, and dopamine, which are essential for regulating mood, sleep, cognition, and behavior. Final considerations: The balance of the microbiota is essential for mental health. Therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring eubiosis have shown promise as complementary strategies for preventing and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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