A number of preclinical studies have suggested that the microbiota and its genome (microbiome) may play a key role in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders. Alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota have been associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions in humans, but whether or not these changes are causative is unclear. Recent animal studies have indicated that microbiota transplantation can transfer behavioral phenotypes, suggesting that the microbiota may be a modifiable modulating factor in the development or pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric conditions. Here, we review the role of the gut microbiota in neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as consider the life stages where the gut microbiota is most susceptible to environmental stressors and possible intervention strategies.
Year: 2017
Nationality: Spain
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