The gut microbiota‐astrocyte axis: Implications for type 2 diabetic cognitive dysfunction

Abstract

Background Diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is one of the most insidious complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can seriously affect the ability to self‐monitoring of blood glucose and the quality of life in the elderly. Previous pathological studies of cognitive dysfunction have focused on neuronal dysfunction, characterized by extracellular beta‐amyloid deposition and intracellular tau hyperphosphorylation. In recent years, astrocytes have been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunction and important participants in the central control of metabolism. The disorder of gut microbiota and their metabolites have been linked to a series of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The imbalance of intestinal flora has the effect of promoting the occurrence and deterioration of several diabetes‐related complications. Gut microbes and their metabolites can drive astrocyte activation. Aims We reviewed the pathological progress of DCD related to the “gut microbiota‐astrocyte” axis in terms of peripheral and central inflammation, intestinal and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, systemic and brain energy metabolism disorders to deepen the pathological research progress of DCD and explore the potential therapeutic targets. Conclusion “Gut microbiota‐astrocyte” axis, unique bidirectional crosstalk in the brain‐gut axis, mediates the intermediate pathological process of neurocognitive dysfunction secondary to metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus.

Pterostilbene could alleviate diabetic cognitive impairment by suppressing TLR4/NF‐кB pathway through microbiota‐gut‐brain axis

“…DCI is a neurodegenerative disease caused by diabetes and is characterized by dysfunction in cognitive functions such as verbal and visual memory, information processing speed, and executive function (Ahmed et al, 2020). Studies have revealed that diabetes increases the risk of cognitive impairment by a factor of 1.25–1.91 and that cognitive dysfunction in diabetes is present in all age groups, and hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are the key driving factors (Li et al, 2023; Nie et al, 2022). Previous studies have shown that long‐term hyperglycemia in diabetic patients can lead to inflammation in the body, resulting in multiple organ damage (Khazaei et al, 2021; Rohm et al, 2022), suggesting that the inflammation may be a major cause of diabetes and its complications.…”

“…Ruminococcaceae_ UCG-009 Turicibacter hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are the key driving factors (Li et al, 2023;Nie et al, 2022). Previous studies have shown that longterm hyperglycemia in diabetic patients can lead to inflammation in the body, resulting in multiple organ damage (Khazaei et al, 2021;Rohm et al, 2022), suggesting that the inflammation may be a major cause of diabetes and its complications.…”

Gut microbiota dysbiosis in polycystic ovary syndrome: Mechanisms of progression and clinical applications

“…The gut and brain are closely connected through the gut brain axis. The brain-gut axis plays an important role in the information exchange system (Li et al, 2023). There is a complex two-way communication system between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system (Xu et al, 2022).…”

Modulation of Glial Cell Functions by the Gut–Brain Axis: A Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Pain Transmission

“…Moreover, an altered composition of the gut microbiota was observed in mouse models of traumatic brain injury [ 30 ], AD [ 31 ], and PD [ 21 ], also characterized by the presence of reactive astrogliosis. Recently, a research group demonstrated that a “gut microbiota-astrocyte” axis mediates neurocognitive dysfunctions secondary to metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus [ 32 ].…”

“…Evidence also demonstrates that recovery from gut dysbiosis via different strategies, including probiotics administration and FMT, is able to reverse the pathological activation of astrocytes [ 25 , 32 ].…”