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Microbiota-Brain-Gut Axis and Neurodegenerative Diseases

  • Genetics (V Bonifati, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purposes of this review were as follows: first, to provide an overview of the gut microbiota and its interactions with the gut and the central nervous system (the microbiota-gut-brain axis) in health, second, to review the relevance of this axis to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, and, finally, to assess the potential for microbiota-targeted therapies.

Recent Findings

Work on animal models has established the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a real phenomenon; to date, the evidence for its operation in man has been limited and has been confronted by considerable logistical challenges. Animal and translational models have incriminated a disturbed gut microbiota in a number of CNS disorders, including Parkinson’s disease; data from human studies is scanty. While a theoretical basis can be developed for the use of microbiota-directed therapies in neurodegenerative disorders, support is yet to come from high-quality clinical trials.

Summary

In theory, a role for the microbiota-gut-brain axis is highly plausible; clinical confirmation is awaited.

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  1. Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, 6550 Fannin St, SM 1201, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Eamonn M. M. Quigley

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Quigley, E.M.M. Microbiota-Brain-Gut Axis and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 17, 94 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-017-0802-6

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