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Neurotransmitters in the gut: Serotonin, GABA, Norpinephrine, & Dopamine
Neurological
diseases and mental disorders are some of the most current research
areas in the medical field. According to Liang et al. (2018), only when
we take the human self and its microbiota into consideration at the same
time is when we can better understand these diseases. Liang et al.
(2018) noted that new research has found that the human being carries
billions of microorganisms such as archaea, bacteria, fungi, viruses,
and protozola living in symbiosis with their human host. These
microorganisms contain 300 to 3,000 different species that exceed 1014
the number of human cells representing more than 200 times the number
of human genes. These microorganisms have mutated and established a
relationship with their host over evolution; therefore, they are called
commensal microbiota (Liang et al. 2018).
Strandwitz,
(2018) shows that the gut microbiota has trillions of bacteria
estimating that humans have about 4 to 6 pounds of bacteria with more
than 150 genes working interconnected and reside within the
gastrointestinal tract. Strandwitz, (2018) research noted that the
microbiota not only has an influence on metabolic health and immune
system, but it also interacts with the central nervous system. Moreover,
it influences the development of behavioral disorders, such as
neurogenerative diseases and neuroimmune disorders. Furthermore, the
study reported that by learning with animal models about microbiota and
the influence in the brain, they have discovered that one of the
mechanisms that influence the "gut-brain-axis" is via the vagus nerve.
In brief, the microbiota produces and consumes neurotransmitters along
the way, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Suggesting that the manipulation of
bacteria in the gut has a direct impact on the physiology and behavior
of the host (Strandwitz, 2018).
Per
Galland, (2014) human microbiome does impact the human brain in
multiple ways. Galland, (2014), noted that molecular interaction between
the host and the gut microbiome is an incredible form of bioactive
metabolites that plays a significant role in human health and mental
health. The study concluded that the "gut-brain" not only completes its
local function, but it also regulates host behavior and cognition (Per
Galland, 2014).
Clapp
et al. (2017), affirmed that it is, in fact, bidirectional
communication between the central nervous system and the gut microbiota.
Their study referred to this interaction as the "gut-brain axis". Clapp
et al. (2017), shows that the microbiota influences
extra-gastrointestinal diseases, induced by dysbiosis and inflammation,
and it is linked with several mental illnesses such as anxiety and
depression. According to Clapp et al. (2017), new research shows that
healthy gut function is also related to adequate central nervous system
function. The relation starts on hormones, neurotransmitters, and
immunological reactions sending signaling to the brain via autonomic
neurons. Moreover, when the microbiome is unbalanced, and the human host
had changes in diet, stress, antibiotics that disturb the microbiota,
it leads to a dysbiosis state that increased intestinal permeability and
allows the bacteria to leak through the intestinal wall into the
circulation. We learned that increased intestinal permeability has a
direct effect on the host system, including psychiatric disorders such
as depression, anxiety, and autism (Clapp et al. 2017).
Liang et al. 2018).
Liang S, Wu X and Jin F (2018) Gut-Brain Psychology: Rethinking Psychology From
the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis. Front. Integr. Neurosci. 12:33. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2018.00033
Strandwitz P. (2018). Neurotransmitter modulation by the gut microbiota. Brain research, 1693(Pt B), 128–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2018.03.015
Galland L. (2014). The gut microbiome and the brain. Journal of medicinal food, 17(12), 1261–1272. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2014.7000
Clapp,
M., Aurora, N., Herrera, L., Bhatia, M., Wilen, E., & Wakefield, S.
(2017). Gut microbiota's effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis. Clinics and practice, 7(4), 987. https://doi.org/10.4081/cp.2017.987
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