The neuroactive potential of the human gut microbiota in quality of life and depression

If you suffer from depression, you can probably see some traces of it in your gut. New research published in Nature highlights how the gut microbiota is intertwined in cases of depression.

The relationship between gut microbial metabolism and mental health is one of the most intriguing and controversial topics in microbiome research. Bidirectional microbiota–gut–brain communication has mostly been explored in animal models, with human research lagging behind. Large-scale metagenomics studies could facilitate the translational process, but their interpretation is hampered by a lack of dedicated reference databases and tools to study the microbial neuroactive potential.

Neural, endocrine and immune communication lines tightly link the human gut microbiota with the host central nervous system. Communication along these lines has been suggested to be bidirectional, with the gut microbiota playing an active role in processes linked to brain development and physiology, psychology and behaviour. This role would not be limited to modulation of host neural, hormonal and immune responses, but also encompasses regulation of intestinal epithelium and blood–brain barrier permeability and both production and degradation of neuroactive compounds. Mediators of microbiota–gut–brain communication affected by microbial metabolism include short-chain fatty acids (for example, butyrate), neurotransmitters (for example, serotonin and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)), hormones (for example, cortisol) and Immune System Function modulators (for example, quinolinic acid).

Over 300 million people experience depression globally. This leads to both social and work-related difficulties. Unfortunately, even with many treatments available, such as medications and psychological therapies, the rate is not going down. With this huge societal burden at play, scientists are working hard to find more to solve this issue — and this is why these findings were such a light-bulb moment

In this new research, two groups of bacteria — Coprococcus and Dialister — were shown to actually be reduced in people with depression. There was also a positive correlation between life quality and the capacity of the gut #microbiome to synthesis a product of the dopamine. Dopamine is well-renowned for its strong link with mood: this neurotransmitter is thought to malfunction in people with depression.

In simple terms: if you, or someone you know, is experiencing depression, there’s quite a high likelihood that you’re low in two groups of bacteria that affect how you respond to dopamine — and therefore affect depression. Women tend to have higher rates of depression and anxiety, which are linked to stress.

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