How Gut Microbes Can Regulate the Stress Response

relationship between gut microbes and the answer to stress was the center investigation which reveals the key role of microbiota in the regulation circadian rhythms of the body.

A study by University College Cork and APC Microbiome Ireland showed how Microbiota influences the circadian rhythm of stress hormones and how their reduction can alter the circadian system of the brain and its regions. responsible for the response to stress.

The results of this study indicate that the gut microbiota regulates axis hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), which is fundamental to responding to stressful events according to scientists. They found that a lack of microbiota causes hyperactivation of the HPA axis at certain times of the day, which alters the stress response.

From their findings, the researchers identified specific bacterial strains, including Limosilactobacillus reuteriwhich play an important role: this particular strain has demonstrated the ability to influence the secretion of glucocorticoids, hormones associated with stress, linking daily fluctuations of the microbiota with the hormonal response. The work was published in the journal Cellular metabolism.

Teacher John Cryanthe head of the research group noted: “Our study reveals an important link between gut microbiota and how the brain responds to stress over time. The gut microbiome not only regulates digestion and metabolism; It plays a fundamental role in how we respond to stress, and this regulation follows a precise circadian rhythm. “These results highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome, especially for those living in today’s fast-paced and stressful environments.”

Doctor Gabriel TofaniAnother of the authors explained: “Our results highlight the importance of not only the composition of the gut microbiota, but also also about how gut microbes change throughout the day.”

“By showing that gut bacteria influence how the body copes with stress throughout the day, we are helping to understand the mechanisms by which the microbiota shapes our responses to the environment. Our work also shows that studying this relationship between gut microbiota and circadian rhythms will be key to the development of microbiota-based therapies. For disorders related to stress in the future,” Tofani added.

The study authors highlighted the potential of these findings for the development of psychobiotic therapies that improve mental health, focusing on the control of gut bacteria that are involved in stress regulation. This approach can help treat problems such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with disrupted sleep cycles and stress.

Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland, highlighted the relevance of the discovery: “This research represents a significant advance in our understanding of how the microbiome influences our mental health. We are committed to uncovering the many ways in which the gut microbiome influences human health, and this research provides important information about how targeting specific bacteria can help manage or even prevent stress-related conditions. “The potential to improve mental health through microbiome-based interventions is very real, and this study brings us one step closer to that goal.”

The microbial transplantation method used by the researchers confirmed that diurnal fluctuations in the microbiota play an important role in regulating glucocorticoid secretion. This observation supports the idea that changes in the microbiota throughout the day have a direct impact on the stress response.

According to experts, these results highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome to maintain emotional and mental well-being, especially in a modern living context characterized by high levels of stress, disrupted sleep patterns and poor diet.