The gut–microbiome–brain connection

http://www.nature.com/nrn/journal/v15/n2/full/nrn3669.html?WT.ec_id=NRN-201402

Nature Reviews Neuroscience

 

15,

 

65

 

(2014)

 

doi:10.1038/nrn3669

Published online

 

27 December 2013

 

Studies in mice and human patients suggest that microbial imbalances in the gut influence various social, emotional and anxiety-like behaviours. Interestingly, gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which are associated with social interaction deficits and stereotypical behaviours. A new study in Cell provides evidence that alterations in commensal gut bacteria contribute to certain behavioural abnormalities in a mouse model of ASD, highlighting the potential benefit of probiotic therapies for some of the features of such disorders.

1. Hsiao, E. Y. et al. Microbiota modulate behavioral and physiological abnormalities associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Cellhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.11.024 (2013)