All posts tagged: microbiota

New study suggests gut microbiota can influence brain structure

New study suggests gut microbiota can influence brain structure

Published by José

In a study recently published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, researchers have found evidence suggesting that certain types of gut bacteria may influence the thickness of the brain’s cortex. The study identifies specific bacteria within the orders Lactobacillales and Bacillales that are potentially associated with changes in brain structure. Our gut is teeming with microorganisms that influence various aspects of our health, from metabolism and immunity to our risk for diseases. Recently, scientists have begun to explore how these microbes might also impact the brain. This interaction between the gut and the brain is often referred to as the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Prior research has shown that changes in the composition of gut bacteria are linked to a variety of brain functions and disorders, including cognitive abilities and mental health conditions. However, the mechanisms behind this influence are not fully understood. Traditional studies have faced challenges such as small sample sizes and confounding factors, which can obscure true effects. In their new study, researchers at Capital Medical University in Beijing aimed to provide clearer evidence …

Social anxiety might be transmissible through gut microbiota, study finds

Social anxiety might be transmissible through gut microbiota, study finds

Published by José

A study conducted in Sweden discovered that transplanting the gut microbiota from individuals with social anxiety disorder into mice made these mice more sensitive to social fear. While the mice maintained normal behavior in a variety of other non-social behavioral tests, researchers identified several biochemical changes. This research was published in the journal Neuroscience. Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations, where individuals feel excessively self-conscious, judged, or embarrassed, leading to avoidance of social interactions. Research suggests that abnormalities in the brain’s serotonin and dopamine systems (networks of neurons that use neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine to regulate various functions), as well as hyperactivity in the amygdala (a region involved in fear and emotional processing), may contribute to the development of social anxiety. The recent uncovering of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, a sophisticated bidirectional communication network between the gut microbiota and the brain, has garnered attention towards the potential influence of gut microorganisms on various psychological and mental health issues. This axis includes …

Is Alzheimer’s disease transmissible? Experiments with gut microbiota yield surprising results

Is Alzheimer’s disease transmissible? Experiments with gut microbiota yield surprising results

Published by José

A study in Italy found that symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be transferred to young rats via the gut microbiota of Alzheimer’s patients. Transplanting gut microbiota from feces of Alzheimer’s patients into guts of healthy rats induced cognitive deficits in these rats. The paper was published in the journal Brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to the atrophy and death of brain cells, causing a decline in memory and cognitive functions. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Main symptoms are memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language and problem-solving, and changes in personality and behavior. At the moment, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and treatments only focus on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life of affected individuals. Its exact causes are unknown, although it generally starts in advanced age and various genetic and environmental factors have been linked to its development in younger individuals. Recently, studies have pointed to associations between gut microbiota properties to the Alzheimer’s disease. They indicated that transplanting gut-microbiota …