The Gut-Brain Axis

Abstract

The gut microbiota is in constant evolution during our lifetime. The most important changes are mainly seen in young age and elderly individuals. Many pathways allow communication between the brain and the gut flora. They can be based on the nervous system, hormones, neurotransmitters but also by the help of bacterial metabolites. Through those pathways, the gut flora is capable of influencing features of the host like cognition, social behavior but also food intake and fear. Similarly, the gut microbiota can also be implicated in diseases development like for example Schizophrenia, autism, Parkinson’s disease and others.