NEUROBIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS AND MENTAL HEALTH: A REVIEW

Abstract

The gut-brain axis (GBA) represents a complex, bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. This intricate connection has drawn considerable interest due to its profound impact on mental well-being. This review examines the GBA from a neurobiological perspective, emphasizing how gut microbes can influence brain function and behavior and highlighting the crucial role of microbial balance in maintaining psychological homeostasis. Dysregulation of the GBA has been linked to various mental health and brain-related disorders, including anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. For this review, the authors selected papers from reputable academic sources such as PubMed, Nature, Frontiers, and Google Scholar. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the different mechanisms of gut-brain communication, including neural pathways, the enteric nervous system, endocrine pathways, immune pathways, and the roles of microbiota and their metabolites. We also discuss the impact of GBA dysregulation on mental health disorders and explore current therapeutic interventions targeting the GBA, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Finally, the review addresses future directions for research and potential challenges in this evolving field. By integrating insights from neurobiology and psychiatry, this review underscores the significance of the GBA in understanding and addressing mental health issues, paving the way for innovative strategies and personalized treatments for mental health disorders.