The recent breakthrough comes from the University College Cork and APC Microbiome Ireland researchers, who for the first time described the critical role gut bacteria play in controlling stress responses linked to the body’s circadian rhythms. The study, in Cell Metabolism, could form the basis of new therapies for stress-related psychiatric disorders. Including anxiety and depression, which commonly occur with disruptions in sleep and circadian cycles.
These trillions of microbes in the gut modulate the body’s response to stress by interacting with what is often called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or HPA axis, the central system controlling stress. “By manipulating the gut bacteria, researchers also found an overactive HPA axis. Leading to an abnormal response to stress during certain times of the day. Stress and the internal clock become imbalanced, and this effect trickles into the brain.”
One significant discovery was the identification of a species of Lactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, which prevents the excretion of stress hormones. The species controls the circadian rhythm of the endogenous stress response. Therefore, this represents evidence that gut microbiota plays an important role in mental health maintenance.
This overview provides a clearer view of the role that gut bacteria play in controlling stress in modern lifestyles that tend to disrupt circadian rhythms. Poor sleep, high levels of stress, and unhealthy diets serve to disrupt this balance. As Principal Investigator Professor John Cryan, who led the study, explained, “It is also essential to keep the microbiome healthy to deal with daily stress.” He said, “The gut microbiome doesn’t just affect digestion. But also how we respond to stress, and this regulation follows a daily rhythm.”
First author Dr. Gabriel Tofani added that understanding the gut’s role in modulating stress across the day could lead to new microbiome-based therapies for stress-related disorders.
This now also opens ways for psychobiotic treatments-microbial-based interventions-that could help improve mental health by targeting gut bacteria. Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland, called the findings a “major step forward”. In using the microbiome to manage mental health.
ANI