Gut Brain Axis and Dysfunction

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the Gut Brain Axis and its dysfunction, including roles of gut microbiota, neurotransmitters, and the impact of diet.

What is the significance of gut microbiota in neuroinflammation?

Gut microbiota contributes to neuroinflammatory and psychiatric disorders and is implicated in brain development.

What is the role of serotonin in the gut-brain axis?

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that influences emotional distress and is predominantly synthesized in the gut.

What are the main ways gut microbiota communicates with the brain?

• Epithelial cells in the large intestine produce a variety of hormones in response to microbiome function

• Gut microbiota can produce neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotoonin + melatonin

What are some beneficial effects of probiotics on the gut-brain axis?

Lactobacillus

• secretes Ach

• increases BDNF expression in the brain

• upregulate plasma and oxytocin in the brain, improving social behaviour

Bacilli and Serratia

• secrete dopamine

What are the main species involved in the microbiome of the gut

composition is highly changeable

• Actinobacteria

• proteobacteria

• Bacteroides

• firmicutes

What can SCFAs do in the brain?

Short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbiota can cross the BBB and influence brain function by regulating inflammation (influencing microglia), promoting neurogenesis, and affecting neurotransmitter production.

What is the function of BDNF

Protein in the brain that plays a critical role in:

• Neuronal survival

• Neuronal growth

• Synaptic plasticity

Expression is influenced bacteria in the gut

What are some examples of ‘bad’ bacteria

• Enterococcus faecalis

• Clostridium difficile

• Campylobacter