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Research papers on Gut microbiome and mental health

Recent and highly-cited academic work on gut microbiome and mental health, gathered from Semantic Scholar, CrossRef and OpenAlex.

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  1. Food and Mood: Current Evidence on Mental Health and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis

    Meroe B Morse, B. Garcia · 2025 · Current Psychiatry Reports · 5,016 citations

    The importance of the gut-brain axis in maintaining homeostasis has long been appreciated. However, the past 15 yr have seen the emergence of the microbiota (the trillions of microorganisms within and on our bodies) as one of the key regulators of gut-brain function and has led to the appreciation of the importance of a distinct microbiota-gut-brain axis. This axis is gaining ever more traction in fields investigating the biological and physiological basis of psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, age-related, and neurodegenerative disorders. The microbiota and the brain communicate with each other via various routes including the immune system, tryptophan metabolism, the vagus nerve and the enter

  3. Gut microbiome alterations in Alzheimer’s disease

    N. Vogt, Robert L. Kerby, Kimberly A. Dill‐McFarland, et al. · 2017 · Scientific Reports · 2,150 citations

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. However, the etiopathogenesis of this devastating disease is not fully understood. Recent studies in rodents suggest that alterations in the gut microbiome may contribute to amyloid deposition, yet the microbial communities associated with AD have not been characterized in humans. Towards this end, we characterized the bacterial taxonomic composition of fecal samples from participants with and without a diagnosis of dementia due to AD. Our analyses revealed that the gut microbiome of AD participants has decreased microbial diversity and is compositionally distinct from control age- and sex-matched individuals. We identified phylum

  4. The Genus Alistipes: Gut Bacteria With Emerging Implications to Inflammation, Cancer, and Mental Health

    Bianca J. Parker, Pamela A. Wearsch, A.C.M. Veloo, et al. · 2020 · Frontiers in Immunology · 1,723 citations

    Alistipes is a relatively new genus of bacteria isolated primarily from medical clinical samples, although at a low rate compared to other genus members of the Bacteroidetes phylum, which are highly relevant in dysbiosis and disease. According to the taxonomy database at The National Center for Biotechnology Information, the genus consists of thirteen species: A. finegoldii, A. putredinis, A. onderdonkii, A. shahii, A. indistinctus, A. senegalensis, A. timonensis, A. obesi, A. ihumii, A. inops, A. megaguti, A. provencensis, and A. massiliensis. Although typically isolated from the human gut microbiome various species of this genus have been isolated from patients suffering from appendicitis,

  6. Gut/brain axis and the microbiota

    Emeran A. Mayer, Kirsten Tillisch, Arpana Gupta · 2015 · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 1,481 citations

    Tremendous progress has been made in characterizing the bidirectional interactions between the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract. A series of provocative preclinical studies have suggested a prominent role for the gut microbiota in these gut-brain interactions. Based on studies using rodents raised in a germ-free environment, the gut microbiota appears to influence the development of emotional behavior, stress- and pain-modulation systems, and brain neurotransmitter systems. Additionally, microbiota perturbations by probiotics and antibiotics exert modulatory effects on some of these measures in adult animals. Current evidence suggests that mu

  7. The Vagus Nerve at the Interface of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis

    Bruno Bonaz, Thomas Bazin, Sonia Pellissier · 2018 · Frontiers in Neuroscience · 1,339 citations

    The microbiota, the gut, and the brain communicate through the microbiota-gut-brain axis in a bidirectional way that involves the autonomic nervous system. The vagus nerve (VN), the principal component of the parasympathetic nervous system, is a mixed nerve composed of 80% afferent and 20% efferent fibers. The VN, because of its role in interoceptive awareness, is able to sense the microbiota metabolites through its afferents, to transfer this gut information to the central nervous system where it is integrated in the central autonomic network, and then to generate an adapted or inappropriate response. A cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway has been described through VN's fibers, which is a

  8. The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis

    Clair R. Martin, Vadim Osadchiy, Amir Kalani, et al. · 2018 · Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology · 1,280 citations

    Preclinical and clinical studies have shown bidirectional interactions within the brain-gut-microbiome axis. Gut microbes communicate to the central nervous system through at least 3 parallel and interacting channels involving nervous, endocrine, and immune signaling mechanisms. The brain can affect the community structure and function of the gut microbiota through the autonomic nervous system, by modulating regional gut motility, intestinal transit and secretion, and gut permeability, and potentially through the luminal secretion of hormones that directly modulate microbial gene expression. A systems biological model is proposed that posits circular communication loops amid the brain, gut,

  9. Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome

    Jane A. Foster, Linda Rinaman, John F. Cryan · 2017 · Neurobiology of Stress · 1,145 citations

    The importance of the gut-brain axis in regulating stress-related responses has long been appreciated. More recently, the microbiota has emerged as a key player in the control of this axis, especially during conditions of stress provoked by real or perceived homeostatic challenge. Diet is one of the most important modifying factors of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The routes of communication between the microbiota and brain are slowly being unravelled, and include the vagus nerve, gut hormone signaling, the immune system, tryptophan metabolism, and microbial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids. The importance of the early life gut microbiota in shaping later health outcomes also is

  11. Brain?Gut?Microbe Communication in Health and Disease

    Sue Grenham, Gerard Clarke, John F. Cryan, et al. · 2011 · Frontiers in Physiology · 964 citations

    Bidirectional signalling between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain is regulated at neural, hormonal, and immunological levels. This construct is known as the brain-gut axis and is vital for maintaining homeostasis. Bacterial colonization of the intestine plays a major role in the post-natal development and maturation of the immune and endocrine systems. These processes are key factors underpinning central nervous system (CNS) signaling. Recent research advances have seen a tremendous improvement in our understanding of the scale, diversity, and importance of the gut microbiome. This has been reflected in the form of a revised nomenclature to the more inclusive brain-gut-enteric microb

  12. Gut Microbiome Alterations, Mental Health, and Alcohol Consumption: Investigating the Gut–Brain Axis in Firefighters

    Ji Youn Yoo, A. Sarkar, Hyo-Sook Song, et al. · 2025 · Microorganisms · 760 citations

    Firefighters across the world face higher risks of occupational hazards, such as exposure to chemicals, extreme heat, traumatic stressors, and intense physical demands, which can increase their vulnerability to a range of psychological and physiological difficulties. These challenges include the risk of developing chronic stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), potentially leading to detrimental negative coping patterns such as alcohol abuse. The consequent health implications impact both short-term and long-term health and well-being. This study aimed to explore the relationship between mental health status, alcohol consumption patterns, and gut microbiome alterations

  13. Gut-Brain Axis: Role of Microbiome, Metabolomics, Hormones, and Stress in Mental Health Disorders

    Ankita Verma, Sabra S. Inslicht, Aditi Bhargava · 2024 · Cells · 102 citations

    The influence of gut microbiome, metabolites, omics, hormones, and stress on general and mental health is increasingly being recognized. Ancient cultures recognized the importance of diet and gut health on the overall health of an individual. Western science and modern scientific methods are beginning to unravel the foundations and mechanisms behind some of the ancient beliefs and customs. The gut microbiome, an organ itself, is now thought to influence almost all other organs, ranging from the brain to the reproductive systems. Gut microbiome, metabolites, hormones, and biological sex also influence a myriad of health conditions that range from mental health disorders, obesity, gastrointest

  14. The Power of Psychobiotics in Depression: A Modern Approach through the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Literature Review

    Angela Dziedzic, Karina Maciak, K. Bliźniewska-Kowalska, et al. · 2024 · Nutrients · 71 citations

    The microbiota–gut–brain (MGB) axis is a complex communication network linking the gut, microbiota, and brain, influencing various aspects of health and disease. Dysbiosis, a disturbance in the gut microbiome equilibrium, can significantly impact the MGB axis, leading to alterations in microbial composition and function. Emerging evidence highlights the connection between microbiota alterations and neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression. This review explores the potential of psychobiotics in managing depressive disorders, emphasizing their role in restoring microbial balance and influencing the MGB axis. Psychobiotics exhibit positive effects on the intestinal barrier,

  15. Exploring the gut-brain Axis: Potential therapeutic impact of Psychobiotics on mental health.

    Cocean Ana‐Maria, D. Vodnar · 2024 · Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry · 40 citations

    One of the most challenging and controversial issues in microbiome research is related to gut microbial metabolism and neuropsychological disorders. Psychobiotics affect human behavior and central nervous system processes via the gut-brain axis, involving neuronal, immune, and metabolic pathways. They have therapeutic potential in the treatment of several neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as depression, anxiety, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, anorexia nervosa, and multiple sclerosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between psychobiotics and the abovementi

  16. The microbiota-gut-brain axis in depression: unraveling the relationships and therapeutic opportunities

    Zhangcheng Zhu, Yiwen Cheng, Xia Liu, et al. · 2025 · Frontiers in Immunology · 36 citations

    Depression, a highly prevalent and relapsing mental disorder, exacts profound personal and socioeconomic tolls globally, warranting urgent scientific and clinical attention. Emerging evidence from both preclinical models and human clinical investigations has established the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) as a critical determinant in depression pathogenesis. This intricate bidirectional network integrates gut microbiota with central nervous system function, influencing mental health through mechanisms previously underrecognized. This review systematically synthesizes gut microbiota alterations associated with depression and their impacts on neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, and metabolic pathway

  17. Gut microbiome-gut brain axis-depression: interconnection

    Ruhina Afroz, A. Panche, Sanjay N Harke · 2024 · The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry · 30 citations

    Abstract Objectives The relationship between the gut microbiome and mental health, particularly depression, has gained significant attention. This review explores the connection between microbial metabolites, dysbiosis, and depression. The gut microbiome, comprising diverse microorganisms, maintains physiological balance and influences health through the gut-brain axis, a communication pathway between the gut and the central nervous system. Methods Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, disrupts this axis and worsens depressive symptoms. Factors like diet, antibiotics, and lifestyle can cause this imbalance, leading to changes in microbial composition, metabolism, and immune response

  19. The Bidirectional Relationship Between the Gut Microbiome and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review

    K. Rathore, N. Shukla, Sunil Naik, et al. · 2025 · Cureus · 20 citations

    The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in mental health, influencing mood, cognition, and emotional regulation through the gut-brain axis. This bidirectional communication system connects the gastrointestinal and CNS, facilitated by microbial metabolites, neurotransmitters, and immune interactions. Recent research highlights the association between gut dysbiosis and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. Key findings indicate that altered microbial diversity, decreased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and increased neuroinflammation contribute to mental health disturbances. This paper explores the mechanism linking the gut microbiom

  21. The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health: How Diet Shapes Our Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being

    Shradha Patil, S. Mehdi · 2025 · Cureus · 13 citations

    The gut-brain axis (GBA) connects the gastrointestinal (GI) system and the central nervous system (CNS) in a two-way communication system that greatly impacts mental health and overall well-being. Dietary choices significantly influence the gut microbiome, thereby affecting emotional, cognitive, and neurological health. This review explores how specific dietary patterns, including high-fiber, plant-based, and Mediterranean diets (MD), enhance microbial diversity, decrease inflammation, and enhance gut-brain communication. It highlights the importance of probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in controlling gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and redu

  22. The Skin-Brain Axis in Psoriasis and Depression: Roles of Inflammation, Hormones, Neuroendocrine Pathways, Neuropeptides, and the Microbiome

    Lipeng Tang, Huichang Bi, Kangguang Lin, et al. · 2025 · Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy · 10 citations

    Abstract Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2–3% of the global population, frequently co-occurs with depression. This highly prevalent comorbidity significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Despite the substantial physical and mental health burden imposed by psoriatic depression, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms connecting psoriasis and depression remain poorly understood. In this review, we explored several pathological processes that may contribute to psoriasis-associated depression, including immune cells dysregulations, hormones imbalances, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunctions, neuropeptides expression abnorma

  23. Estrogen-Gut-Brain Axis: Examining the Role of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Mental Health Through Their Impact on the Gut Microbiome

    Abigail Zim, Ajay Bommareddy · 2025 · Cureus · 7 citations

    Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) possess the ability to alter the normal composition of the gut microbiome and the permeability of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may cause both gut-related and non-gut-related complications. The gut-estrogen axis examines the relationship between estrogens (particularly the active form, estradiol) and the gastrointestinal system and can be attributed to the maintenance of the estrobolome and circulating estradiol levels. The gut-brain axis involves the relationship between the brain and the gastrointestinal system and can be attributed to the gut microbiome in relation to the enteric nervous system (ENS) and serotonin levels. Overall, the introduct

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