Role of microbes in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders

Microbes inhabit different anatomical sites of the human body including oral cavity, gut, and skin. A growing literature highlights how microbiome variation is associated with human health and disease. There is strong evidence of bidirectional communication between gut and brain mediated by neurotransmitters and microbial metabolites. Here, we review the potential involvement of microbes residing in the gut and in other body sites in the pathogenesis of eight neuropsychiatric disorders, discussing findings from animal and human studies. The data reported provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the microbiome research in neuropsychiatry, including hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying the associations reported and the translational potential of probiotics and prebiotics.

Automated summary

The microbiome variation is closely associated with human health and disease, with bidirectional communication between gut and brain highlighted in the research. The review discusses the potential involvement of microbes in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders and the translational potential of probiotics and prebiotics, providing a comprehensive overview of current microbiome research in neuropsychiatry.