Investigating the Effects of Intestinal Microbiota on the Brain and Human Behavior

Download PDF

Intestinal microbiota are microorganisms that live in the human intestine. The intestinal microbiota contains bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, however, bacteria are the prevailing population of the intestinal microbiota. A useful relationship between humans and gut microbiota has been reported. There are many microorganisms living in the intestine that regulate the body's physiological functions. In addition to the impact of microbiota on the digestive system, these microorganisms can regulate the brain and central nervous system function. The enteric nervous system is considered the second brain due to its similarity to the central nervous system and its autonomy. According to the reported results of various studies, intestinal microbiota is an influencing factor in changing behavior and mood and even prevents the development of nervous system diseases like autism, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's. The gut microbiota regulates the central nervous system function through the enteric nervous system, the stimulation of the immune system and enteroendocrine cells, and the production of metabolites. Excessive use of antibiotics, improper nutrition, anxiety, stress, and depression cause dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota, which is an important factor in aggravating nervous system diseases.