The human body is deeply interconnected. Recent research has shown a promising link between gut and brain health and how one influences the other.
Researchers have observed a new link between mental disorders and autoimmune diseases. For instance, depleted numbers of gut microbiota due to conditions such as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS) cause anxiety and depression in patients. Moreover, the genetic risk factors for both mental and autoimmune diseases are related. However, not much has known about the influence of gut health on brain functioning.
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The study conducted by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine is not only an interesting one but also very important to understand this link. Dr. David Artis, a co-senior author of this research, says, “Our study provides new insight into the mechanisms of how the gut and brain communicate at the molecular level.” Chronic gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) not thoroughly researched yet, but this research has paved the way for better understanding.
Researchers used mice to observe the effect on brain cells with depleted gut microbiota. The scientists conducted a test on two mice with antibiotics, one set had reduced microbial populations, and the other was utterly germ-free. The mice showed a significant decrease in their ability to see that a threat was no longer present. It was the RNA sequencing of microglia (cells in the brain), which showed altered gene expression. Healthy mice showed no such alteration. Dr. Conor Liston, the co-principal investigator, explained how changes in gene expression could disrupt the synapses (connections between brain cells), which then affect the formation of learning pathways in the brain.
The team further looked into the chemical changes observed. The brain of the germ-free mice had a change in levels of metabolites associated with the development of schizophrenia and autism. This observation provided evidence on how gut bacteria might affect brain functioning.
This study is an essential step in understanding how the gut influences many mental and psychiatric disorders such as depression, Parkinson’s, etc. The understanding of the gut-brain axis might pave the way for potential treatments of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
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