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Mind-altering with the gut: Modulation of the gut-brain axis with probiotics

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  • Human Microbiomes and Probiotics
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Abstract

It is increasingly evident that bidirectional interactions exist among the gastrointestinal tract, the enteric nervous system, and the central nervous system. Recent preclinical and clinical trials have shown that gut microbiota plays an important role in these gut-brain interactions. Furthermore, alterations in gut microbiota composition may be associated with pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, including stress, autism, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, the concepts of the microbiota-gut-brain axis is emerging. Here, we review the role of gut microbiota in bidirectional interactions between the gut and the brain, including neural, immune-mediated, and metabolic mechanisms. We highlight recent advances in the understanding of probiotic modulation of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders via the gut-brain axis.

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  1. Microbiology and Functionality Research Group, World Institute of Kimchi, Gwangju, 61755, Republic of Korea

    Namhee Kim, Misun Yun, Young Joon Oh & Hak-Jong Choi

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Kim, N., Yun, M., Oh, Y.J. et al. Mind-altering with the gut: Modulation of the gut-brain axis with probiotics. J Microbiol. 56, 172–182 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-018-8032-4

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