Mechanism and implications of pro-nature physical activity in antagonizing psychological stress: the key role of microbial-gut-brain axis

Abstract

Appropriate physical activities and a biodiversity-rich environment are conducive to the relief of psychological stress, and pro-nature physical activities are a combination of the two, which has good application potential in antagonizing psychological stress, but the intervention mechanism is still unclear. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is cyclically associated with psychological stress, and psychological stress can affect the microbiota through the gut-brain pathway, and conversely, the microbiota can also affect the psychological stress-induced symptoms. It is suggested that the microbe-gut-brain axis may provide a new perspective and target for the treatment of psychological stress-related diseases. Pro-nature physical activity can improve the number of Firmicutes, short-chain fatty acids, Akkermansia bacteria, and the gut-brain barrier and further affect the HPA axis, BDNF, and serotonin pathways of gut-brain two-way communication, thereby maintaining the body’s homeostasis and reducing antagonistic psychological stress. According to the comprehensive influence of physical activities on the microbiota-gut-brain axis, a “green + exercise prescription hypothesis” in line with the holistic medical concept is revealed, which is expected to be effective in the prevention, alleviation, and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases. It provides new means for treating psychological stress-related diseases such as mental disorders and mood disorders. In addition, it enlightens the construction of green infrastructure that is conducive to the diversified contact of microorganisms in outdoor physical activities venues and induces healthy interaction between the human body and the microbial population in the natural ecology. However, the current research is still in its early stages, and the intervention effect and mechanism of pro-nature physical activities need further demonstration in the future.

From gut to brain: understanding the role of microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease

“…Lou found that combining structured physical activity with a lifestyle that fully exposes people to nature, or “pro-nature physical activity”, can effectively improve the “physical and mental comorbidities” of patients with DGBIs ( 194 ). This “green prescription” not only embodies the medical treatment concept from a holistic viewpoint, but also provides a new perspective and means for treating diseases related to stress and psychological disorders ( 195 ).…”

“…Moreover, physical activity can reduce visceral fat content and the expression of proinflammatory factors (such as TNF-α and IL-6) and increase intestinal mucosal immunity, epithelial integrity, and tissue regeneration. Among them, pro-nature physical activity can regulate the MGBA; increase the abundance of Firmicutes and Akkermansia bacteria; increase SCFAs levels; and further affect the HPA axis, BDNF, and serotonin pathways involved in bidirectional gut-brain communication, thereby maintaining body homeostasis and reducing psychological stress ( 194 ).…”

“…Moreover, physical activity can reduce visceral fat content and the expression of proinflammatory factors (such as TNF-a and IL-6) and increase intestinal mucosal immunity, epithelial integrity, and tissue regeneration. Among them, pronature physical activity can regulate the MGBA; increase the abundance of Firmicutes and Akkermansia bacteria; increase SCFAs levels; and further affect the HPA axis, BDNF, and serotonin pathways involved in bidirectional gut-brain communication, thereby maintaining body homeostasis and reducing psychological stress (194). Although Lou's research confirms that nature-based physical activity is a more efficient form of exercise, it does not compare specific types of exercise (such as basketball, running, and swimming), and there is no universal standard for exercise intensity and frequency.…”

The Role of Mast Cells in Maintaining Homeostasis of the Colon Mucosa

“…It justifies the need to find and develop methods for correcting stress-induced disorders of the digestive system. The alimentary canal is characterized by high reactivity to stressors of various natures, including increased intestinal permeability [50,51]. The result of increased intestinal barrier permeability is the uncontrolled invasion of antigens, microorganisms and toxic substances from the lumen of the intestine into the mucous membrane, which, in turn, can cause inflammatory and other reactions [52][53][54].…”

“…В даний час проблема впливу стресу різної етіології на стан кишкової мікробіоти та гомеостаз слизової оболонки травного каналу, є одним з актуальних питань біологічної і морфологічної науки, і обґрунтовує необхідність пошуку і розробки методів корекції стрес-індукованих порушень системи травлення. Травний канал характеризується високою реактивністю щодо впливу стресорів різної природи, у тому числі -у вигляді підвищення проникності кишечника [50,51]. Наслідком підвищення проникності кишкового бар'єру є неконтрольована інвазія антигенів, мікроорганізмів і токсичних речовин з просвіту кишки вглиб слизової оболонки, що, у свою чергу, може спричинити розвиток запальних та інших реакцій [52][53][54].…”