1st Neurology Clinic, Mures County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 540136 Târgu Mures, Romania.
Department of Neurology, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures 'George Emil Palade', 540142 Târgu Mures, Romania.
Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 11;24(20):15094. doi: 10.3390/ijms242015094.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive motor function decline. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, and its increasing prevalence is linked to an aging population, improved diagnostics, heightened awareness, and changing lifestyles. In the gastrointestinal system, the gut microbiota plays a vital role in producing metabolites, neurotransmitters, and immune molecules. Short-chain fatty acids, of interest for their potential health benefits, are influenced by a fiber- and plant-based diet, promoting a diverse and balanced gut microbiome. These fatty acids impact the body by binding to receptors on enteroendocrine cells, influencing hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY, which regulate appetite and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, these fatty acids impact the blood-brain barrier, neurotransmitter levels, and neurotrophic factors, and directly stimulate vagal afferent nerves, affecting gut-brain communication. The vagus nerve is a crucial link between the gut and the brain, transmitting signals related to appetite, inflammation, and various processes. Dysregulation of this pathway can contribute to conditions like obesity and irritable bowel syndrome. Emerging evidence suggests the complex interplay among these fatty acids, the gut microbiota, and environmental factors influences neurodegenerative processes via interconnected pathways, including immune function, anti-inflammation, gut barrier, and energy metabolism. Embracing a balanced, fiber-rich diet may foster a diverse gut microbiome, potentially impacting neurodegenerative disease risk. Comprehensive understanding requires further research into interventions targeting the gut microbiome and fatty acid production and their potential therapeutic role in neurodegeneration.
肌萎缩侧索硬化症是一种破坏性的神经退行性疾病，其特征是大脑和脊髓中的运动神经元逐渐丧失，导致进行性运动功能下降。不幸的是，目前尚无有效的治疗方法，其发病率的上升与人口老龄化、诊断水平的提高、公众意识的增强以及生活方式的改变有关。在胃肠道系统中，肠道微生物群在产生代谢物、神经递质和免疫分子方面发挥着重要作用。短链脂肪酸因其潜在的健康益处而受到关注，其受纤维和植物性饮食的影响，促进了多样化和平衡的肠道微生物群。这些脂肪酸通过与肠内分泌细胞上的受体结合来影响身体，影响胰高血糖素样肽-1 和肽 YY 等激素，调节食欲和胰岛素敏感性。此外，这些脂肪酸还会影响血脑屏障、神经递质水平和神经营养因子，并直接刺激迷走传入神经，影响肠道-大脑通讯。迷走神经是肠道和大脑之间的重要连接，传递与食欲、炎症和各种过程相关的信号。该途径的失调可能导致肥胖和肠易激综合征等疾病。新出现的证据表明，这些脂肪酸、肠道微生物群和环境因素之间的复杂相互作用通过相互关联的途径影响神经退行性过程，包括免疫功能、抗炎、肠道屏障和能量代谢。采用均衡、富含纤维的饮食可能会促进多样化的肠道微生物群，从而可能影响神经退行性疾病的风险。全面了解需要进一步研究针对肠道微生物群和脂肪酸产生的干预措施及其在神经退行性变中的潜在治疗作用。
