Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.
Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021;19(5):610-628. doi: 10.2174/1570159X18666200730111528.
A large body of research has shown the presence of a complex pathway of communications between the gut and the brain. It is now recognized that, through this pathway, the microbiota can influence brain homeostasis and plasticity under normal and pathological conditions. This review aims at providing an overview of preclinical and clinical pieces of evidence supporting the possible role of gut-brain axis modulation in physiological aging, in a neurodevelopmental disorder, the autism spectrum disorders and in a substance abuse disorder, the alcohol addiction. Since the normalization of gut flora can prevent changes in the behavior, we postulate that the gutbrain axis might represent a possible target for pharmacological and dietary strategies aimed at improving not only intestinal but also mental health. The present review also reports some regulatory considerations regarding the use of probiotics, illustrating the most debated issues about the possibility of considering probiotics not only as a food supplement but also as a "full" medicinal product.
大量研究表明，肠道和大脑之间存在着复杂的通讯途径。现在人们认识到，通过这种途径，微生物群可以在正常和病理条件下影响大脑的内稳态和可塑性。本综述旨在概述支持肠道-大脑轴调节在生理衰老、神经发育障碍（自闭症谱系障碍）和物质滥用障碍（酒精成瘾）中可能作用的临床前和临床证据。由于肠道菌群的正常化可以预防行为的改变，我们假设肠道-大脑轴可能代表一种可能的药物和饮食策略的靶点，旨在不仅改善肠道健康，而且改善心理健康。本综述还报告了一些关于使用益生菌的监管注意事项，说明了关于将益生菌不仅视为一种食品补充剂，而且也视为一种“完整”药物的可能性的最具争议的问题。
