Recent findings within the microbiota–gut–brain–endocrine metabolic interactome

Abstract

Purposeof review:

We have established that many metabolic biomes exist within the complex mammalian gut. Substantial metabolism occurs within these biomes and is called co-metabolism of the host and resident microorganisms. This gut–brain–endocrine metabolic interaction emphasizes how bacteria can affect the brain and the hormonal axes in the process of co-metabolism. This review highlights new findings in this regard.

Recent findings:

In this review, we explore how the gut microbiota affect the development and regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and neurochemistry from mental health and behavioral health to memory, depression, mood, anxiety, obesity, and the development of the blood–brain barrier.

Summary:

This review describes the implications of the findings for clinical practice or research. Interaction of small molecules within these biomes is now described collectively as a “metabolic interactome”. Metabolites of the gut–brain–endocrine axis and our overall gut health constantly shape the host phenotype in ways previously unimagined, and this niche represents potential targets for treatment and drug design, since the interaction or biochemical interplay results in net metabolite production and/or end products to exercise either positive or negative effects on human health.

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Keywords::

• neurotransmitters
• gut brain axis
• metabolomics
• microbiota
• microbiome
• HPA

Acknowledgments

Dr Levison receives partial financial support from the University of Toledo’s Interdisciplinary Research Initiation Award. The Gilgamesh Foundation for scientific medical research and education is also acknowledged.

Disclosure

Dr Levison is named as co-inventor on pending patents held by the Cleveland Clinic relating to cardiovascular and inflammation diagnostics. Dr Levison reports having the right to receive royalty payments for inventions or discoveries related to cardiovascular diagnostics or therapeutics from the Cleveland HeartLab. The other authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.