Research

15 pages, 1918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intestinal Microbiome in Irritable Bowel Syndrome before and after Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy

by Johannes Peter, Camille Fournier, Bettina Keip, Nina Rittershaus, Nicola Stephanou-Rieser, Marija Durdevic, Clemens Dejaco, Maria Michalski and Gabriele Moser

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(11), 3619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19113619 - 16 Nov 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5879

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder with brain-gut-microbiome alterations. Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GHT) has been shown to improve quality of life and symptoms in IBS. This therapy targets psychological coping, central nervous processing and brain-gut interaction. Studies have also demonstrated effects of hypnosis [...] Read more.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder with brain-gut-microbiome alterations. Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GHT) has been shown to improve quality of life and symptoms in IBS. This therapy targets psychological coping, central nervous processing and brain-gut interaction. Studies have also demonstrated effects of hypnosis on intestinal transit and the mucosal immune system. So far, no study has examined the effect of GHT on the intestinal microbiome. This study aimed at examining microbial composition, IBS symptoms, and psychological distress before and after GHT. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 38 IBS patients (Rome-III criteria, mean age 44 years, 27 female, 11 male, 22 diarrhea-dominant, 12 alternating-type and 4 constipation-dominant IBS) before and after 10 weekly group sessions of GHT. Assessments in psychological (perceived stress, PSQ; psychological distress, HADS-D; quality of life, visual analogue scales) and IBS symptom-related variables (IBS severity, IBS-SSS; single symptoms, visual analogue scales) were performed with validated questionnaires. Fecal samples underwent microbial 16S rRNA analyses (regions V1–2). Results: Microbial alpha diversity was stable before and after GHT (chao1 2591 ± 548 vs. 2581 ± 539, p = 0.92). No significant differences were found in relative bacterial abundances but trends of reduced abundance of Lachnospiraceae 32.18 (4.14–39.89) Median (Q1–Q3) vs. 28.11 (22.85; 35.55) and Firmicutes: Bacteroidetes ratio after GHT were observable. Significant reductions in symptom severity (323 (266–371) vs. 264 (191–331), p = 0.001) and psychological distress 17.0 (12.6–21.8) vs. 12.0 (8.3–18.0), p = 0.001, and increased well-being were found after GHT. Adequate relief after therapy was reported by 32 (84%) patients. Conclusion: Reductions in IBS symptoms and psychological burden were observed after gut-directed hypnotherapy, but only small changes were found in intestinal microbiota composition. The findings suggest that hypnosis may act by central nervous impact and other factors largely independent from microbiota composition modulating the brain-gut axis, possibly alterations in vagus nerve functioning and microbiota metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The (Microbiota)–Gut–Brain Axis: Hype or Revolution?)

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Review

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13 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Imaging Specific Mediators of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

by Nicole Dmochowska, Hannah R. Wardill and Patrick A. Hughes

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(9), 2471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19092471 - 21 Aug 2018

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3996

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic remitting and relapsing inflammation of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The etiology underlying IBD remains unknown, but it is thought to involve a hypersensitive immune response to environmental antigens, including the microbiota. Diagnosis and monitoring of [...] Read more.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic remitting and relapsing inflammation of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The etiology underlying IBD remains unknown, but it is thought to involve a hypersensitive immune response to environmental antigens, including the microbiota. Diagnosis and monitoring of IBD is heavily reliant on endoscopy, which is invasive and does not provide information regarding specific mediators. This review describes recent developments in imaging of IBD with a focus on positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of inflammatory mediators, and how these developments may be applied to the microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The (Microbiota)–Gut–Brain Axis: Hype or Revolution?)

15 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cognitive Impairment and Celiac Disease: Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation a Trait d’Union between Gut and Brain?

by Giuseppe Lanza, Rita Bella, Mariagiovanna Cantone, Giovanni Pennisi, Raffaele Ferri and Manuela Pennisi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(8), 2243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19082243 - 31 Jul 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6013

Abstract

Celiac disease is a systemic disorder with multifactorial pathogenesis and multifaceted symptomatology. In response to gluten exposure, a significant part of the general population produces antibodies that have been hypothesized to be deleterious to the brain. Among the well-known neurological manifestations, adult celiac [...] Read more.

Celiac disease is a systemic disorder with multifactorial pathogenesis and multifaceted symptomatology. In response to gluten exposure, a significant part of the general population produces antibodies that have been hypothesized to be deleterious to the brain. Among the well-known neurological manifestations, adult celiac patients often complain cognitive symptoms, ranging from the so-called “brain fog” till an overt dementia. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can contribute to the assessment and monitoring of celiac patients, even in those without a clear neurological involvement. The studies here reviewed seem to converge on an impaired central motor conductivity and a “hyperexcitable celiac brain” to TMS, which partially reverts back after a long-term gluten restriction. Notably, a clear hyperexcitability is a stably reported feature of both degenerative and vascular dementia. Therefore, given its potential neuroprotective effect, the gluten-free diet should be introduced as early as possible, although the overall response of neurological symptoms (and cognition in particular) is still controversial. Identifying new and possibly modifiable risk factors may be of crucial importance for patients, clinicians, and researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The (Microbiota)–Gut–Brain Axis: Hype or Revolution?)

59 pages, 2078 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enteric Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis from the Perspective of Nuclear Receptors

by Kalina Duszka and Walter Wahli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(8), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19082210 - 28 Jul 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 9160

Abstract

Nuclear receptors (NRs) play a key role in regulating virtually all body functions, thus maintaining a healthy operating body with all its complex systems. Recently, gut microbiota emerged as major factor contributing to the health of the whole organism. Enteric bacteria have multiple [...] Read more.

Nuclear receptors (NRs) play a key role in regulating virtually all body functions, thus maintaining a healthy operating body with all its complex systems. Recently, gut microbiota emerged as major factor contributing to the health of the whole organism. Enteric bacteria have multiple ways to influence their host and several of them involve communication with the brain. Mounting evidence of cooperation between gut flora and NRs is already available. However, the full potential of the microbiota interconnection with NRs remains to be uncovered. Herewith, we present the current state of knowledge on the multifaceted roles of NRs in the enteric microbiota–gut–brain axis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The (Microbiota)–Gut–Brain Axis: Hype or Revolution?)

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16 pages, 1644 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Expensive-Tissue Hypothesis in Vertebrates: Gut Microbiota Effect, a Review

by Chun Hua Huang, Xin Yu and Wen Bo Liao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061792 - 17 Jun 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8113

Abstract

The gut microbiota is integral to an organism’s digestive structure and has been shown to play an important role in producing substrates for gluconeogenesis and energy production, vasodilator, and gut motility. Numerous studies have demonstrated that variation in diet types is associated with [...] Read more.

The gut microbiota is integral to an organism’s digestive structure and has been shown to play an important role in producing substrates for gluconeogenesis and energy production, vasodilator, and gut motility. Numerous studies have demonstrated that variation in diet types is associated with the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota, a relationship that plays a significant role in nutrient absorption and affects gut size. The Expensive-Tissue Hypothesis states (ETH) that the metabolic requirement of relatively large brains is offset by a corresponding reduction of the other tissues, such as gut size. However, how the trade-off between gut size and brain size in vertebrates is associated with the gut microbiota through metabolic requirements still remains unexplored. Here, we review research relating to and discuss the potential influence of gut microbiota on the ETH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The (Microbiota)–Gut–Brain Axis: Hype or Revolution?)

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13 pages, 865 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phoenixin—A Pleiotropic Gut-Brain Peptide

by Martha A. Schalla and Andreas Stengel

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061726 - 11 Jun 2018

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6423

Abstract

Phoenixin is a recently discovered brain peptide initially thought to be restricted to reproductive functions. The subsequent identification of phoenixin’s expression in peripheral tissues was accompanied by the description of several other actions of this hormone, such as effects on behavior, sensory perception, [...] Read more.

Phoenixin is a recently discovered brain peptide initially thought to be restricted to reproductive functions. The subsequent identification of phoenixin’s expression in peripheral tissues was accompanied by the description of several other actions of this hormone, such as effects on behavior, sensory perception, memory retention, the cardiovascular system as well as food intake, pointing towards a pleiotropic role of this peptide. The present review will discuss the present knowledge on phoenixin and the signaling involved as well as highlight gaps in knowledge to stimulate further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The (Microbiota)–Gut–Brain Axis: Hype or Revolution?)

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16 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recognizing Depression from the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis

by Shan Liang, Xiaoli Wu, Xu Hu, Tao Wang and Feng Jin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061592 - 29 May 2018

Cited by 185 | Viewed by 44162

Abstract

Major depression is one of the leading causes of disability, morbidity, and mortality worldwide. The brain–gut axis functions are disturbed, revealed by a dysfunction of the brain, immune system, endocrine system, and gut. Traditional depression treatments all target the brain, with different drugs [...] Read more.

Major depression is one of the leading causes of disability, morbidity, and mortality worldwide. The brain–gut axis functions are disturbed, revealed by a dysfunction of the brain, immune system, endocrine system, and gut. Traditional depression treatments all target the brain, with different drugs and/or psychotherapy. Unfortunately, most of the patients have never received any treatment. Studies indicate that gut microbiota could be a direct cause for the disorder. Abnormal microbiota and the microbiota–gut–brain dysfunction may cause mental disorders, while correcting these disturbance could alleviate depression. Nowadays, the gut microbiota modulation has become a hot topic in treatment research of mental disorders. Depression is closely related with the health condition of the brain–gut axis, and maintaining/restoring the normal condition of gut microbiota helps in the prevention/therapy of mental disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The (Microbiota)–Gut–Brain Axis: Hype or Revolution?)

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Other

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4 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

The Perturbance of Microbiome and Gut-Brain Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorders

by Greta Fowlie, Nicholas Cohen and Xue Ming

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(8), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19082251 - 01 Aug 2018

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 14142

Abstract

Gastrointestinal problems have been documented in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies have found that these disturbances may be associated with an altered gut microbiome in ASD. Furthermore, in ASD, these alterations are implicated in increased gut permeability, or “leaky gut”, which allows bacterial [...] Read more.

Gastrointestinal problems have been documented in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies have found that these disturbances may be associated with an altered gut microbiome in ASD. Furthermore, in ASD, these alterations are implicated in increased gut permeability, or “leaky gut”, which allows bacterial metabolites to cross the gut barrier, impacting neurodevelopment during early childhood in susceptible subjects by way of gut-brain axis. In our review, we will discuss the interaction of gut microbiota and brain development in ASD and the signaling mechanisms underlying this interaction. We will also explore the potential for treatment of ASD by targeting the microbiome with probiotics. Finally, this paper will attempt to provide significance to the aggregation of the research in this area of research; providing our interpretations and assessments of future of this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The (Microbiota)–Gut–Brain Axis: Hype or Revolution?)

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