Beijing, China – Recent research out of Capital Medical University in Beijing sheds light on the potential influence of specific gut bacteria on the structure of the brain. The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, explores the relationship between certain bacteria within the orders Lactobacillales and Bacillales and changes in the brain’s cortical thickness.
Scientists have delved into the complex world of gut microbes, unveiling the intricate connection between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Understanding this relationship has significant implications for various brain functions and disorders, such as cognitive abilities and mental health conditions.
In an effort to provide clearer evidence on this phenomenon, researchers utilized a technique called Mendelian randomization, which leverages genetic data to infer causal relationships between modifiable risk factors and health outcomes. The study, involving over 51,000 participants primarily of European descent, identified a significant association between the abundance of Bacillales and Lactobacillales and the thickness of the cerebral cortex.
Specific brain regions crucial for various cognitive and sensory functions showed changes in cortical thickness attributed to Bacillales and Lactobacillales. These alterations were particularly evident in areas involved in visual processing, emotional regulation, sensory perception, and cognitive control, highlighting the potential impact of these bacteria on fundamental neural functions.
Researchers noted that gut bacteria play a role in metabolic functions, affecting the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids. These alterations can impact neuronal activity by crossing the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, gut microbes produce essential metabolites and hormones crucial for the gut-brain signaling system.
While the study’s innovative approach offers valuable insights, it does have limitations, including the reliance on genetic data to predict bacterial levels rather than direct measurements. The study’s population primarily of European ancestry may also limit the generalizability of the findings to other ethnic groups.
Despite these limitations, the findings suggest that targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis could hold promise for therapeutic interventions in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Further research with diverse populations and direct measures of gut microbiota is necessary to confirm these findings and explore the mechanisms through which these bacteria influence brain structure.
Overall, the study indicates that interventions targeting the gut microbiota composition could potentially improve brain function and serve as an effective initiative in treating various neurologic disorders. Further clinical research is needed to verify the safety and efficacy of these interventions and determine optimal treatment protocols.