| Theme |
Impacts of intestinal microbiota |
| Title |
Role of intestinal microbiota and gut-brain axis in inflammatory bowel disease |
| Author |
Toshiaki Teratani |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Keio University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Takahiro Suzuki |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Keio University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Takanori Kanai |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Keio University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
The gut-brain axis refers to a bidirectional information network between the gut and the brain. Many factors (neural, metabolic, endocrine and immune) according to the intestinal environment (nutrition, intestinal bacterial flora etc.) are used as a mediators for the gut-brain axis. The relationship between intestinal bacteria and host physiological functions had been clarified by dramatically improved genome sequencing technology and use of gnotobiotic animals. The interaction between intestinal bacteria and the nervous system is a hot topic in the field of intestinal bacteria research. Recent studies have revealed that specific intestinal bacteria affect neuronal activity including progression of neurodegenerative disease, brain development, behavior and others. In addition, signals from the central nervous system affect intestinal function and intestinal flora. Therefore, dysbiosis is thought to be involved in intestinal functions and progression of inflammatory bowel disease via the gut-brain axis. |