Title:Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neurological Disorders: From Leaky Barriers
Microanatomical Changes to Biochemical Processes
Volume: 23
Issue: 3
Author(s): Irene Neri, Elisa Boschetti*, Matilde Yung Follo, Roberto De Giorgio, Lucio Ildebrando Cocco, Lucia Manzoli and Stefano Ratti
Affiliation:
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna,
Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Keywords:
Barrier permeability, blood-brain barrier, central nervous system, gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, vascular barrier.
Abstract:
Background: The gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system are distinct because
of evident morpho-functional features. Nonetheless, evidence indicates that these systems
are bidirectionally connected through the gut-brain axis, defined as the signaling that takes place
between the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, which plays in concert with the gut
microbiota, i.e., the myriad of microorganisms residing in the lumen of the human intestine. In
particular, it has been described that gut microbiota abnormalities, referred to as dysbiosis, may
affect both central nervous system development and physiology.
Objective: Starting from the possible mechanisms through which gut microbiota variations were
found to impact several central nervous system disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder
and Alzheimer’s Disease, we will focus on intriguing, although poorly investigated, aspects such
as the epithelial and vascular barrier integrity. Indeed, several studies suggest a pivotal role of gut
microbiota in maintaining the efficiency of both the intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier. In
particular, we report evidence indicating an impact of gut microbiota on intestinal barrier and
blood-brain barrier homeostasis and discuss the differences and the similarities between the two
barriers. Moreover, to stimulate further research, we review various tests and biochemical markers
that can be used to assess intestinal and blood-brain barrier permeability.
Conclusion: We suggest that the evaluation of intestinal and blood-brain barrier permeability in
neurological patients may not only help to better understand central nervous system disorders but
also pave the way for finding new molecular targets to treat patients with neurological impairment.