A growing body of research suggests that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in shaping brain function and promoting mental health. This review examines the mechanisms by which intestinal microorganisms influence brain plasticity, including microbial metabolite production, immune system modulation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hormonal regulation.
Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, has been linked to various neurological disorders, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), and cognitive impairments. However, studies have shown that microbiota-targeted interventions, like probiotics and prebiotics, may enhance brain plasticity and mitigate mental health issues.
The findings of this study underscore the potential of the gut microbiota as a novel target for improving brain plasticity and mental health outcomes. Further research is needed to understand direct microbial-neuronal interactions and develop personalized microbiome-based therapies.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1629349/abstract