Prebiotics and the Modulation on the Microbiota-GALT-Brain Axis

Abstract

It is well known that there exists a bi-directional communication system between the enteric nervous system and central nervous system. Recent research has attempted to understand the influence of intestinal bacteria on the brain and behavior. In this manner, it has been observed that pathogenic bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) can induce behavioral changes such as acute anxiety, depressive symptoms, cognitive deficits, and increased sensitivity to visceral pain. The modulation of LPS production through probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics can prevent these changes. In addition to the neuronal, endocrine, and metabolic pathways, it has been observed that the immune mechanism also exerts an influence on the gut-brain axis. The cells of the immune system can undergo phenotypic changes by the induction of certain bacterial species, which can have an important participation in the development of brain disorders. Although the main effect of prebiotics is through the stimulation of probiotic bacteria, in this chapter, we review the indirect therapeutic potential of prebiotics on the brain through the intestinal microbiota, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and other components of the intestinal lumen. Thus, the objective is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its effects on the gut-brain axis. Here, we will summarize the possible therapeutic effect of prebiotics on intestinal microbiota, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and brain.

Prophylactic Effect of Bovine Colostrum on Intestinal Microbiota and Behavior in Wild-Type and Zonulin Transgenic Mice

“…Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by the host's eubiotic commensal bacteria and confer a health benefit [240]. Oligosaccharides and glycans provide the host with favorable metabolites, such as SCFAs [241][242][243][244].…”

The Potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 in the Development of Alginate-Based Gel Formulations with Anti–Staphylococcus aureus Properties

“…All selected LAB showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, with higher effects observed for L. plantarum ATCC 14917. The antagonistic effects of LAB are related to the production of antimicrobial metabolites, such as bacteriocins and other biologically active compounds [24,25]. The inhibitory effect against S. aureus may also be related to the medium's acidification and the capacity of LAB strains to produce and tolerate high concentrations of lactic acid, inducing competitive exclusion through nutrients and ecological niches.…”

Between Dysbiosis, Maternal Immune Activation and Autism: Is There a Common Pathway?

“…This connection is based on a delicate balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) samples bacterial antigens and communicates with the ENS through signaling molecules, including cytokines and chemokines [ 138 ]. Bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and peptidoglycans (PGNs) mediate the immune response through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and deliver the information to the ENS [ 139 ].…”