Epilepsy is a severe neurological disorder involving 70 million people around the globe. Epilepsy-related neuropsychiatric comorbidities such as depression, which is the most common, is an additional factor that negatively impacts the living quality of epilepsy patients. There are many theories and complexities associated with both epilepsy and associated comorbidities, one of which is the gut-brain-axis influence. The gut microbiome is hypothesized to be linked with many neurological disorders; however, little conclusive evidence is available in this area. Thus, highlighting the role will create interest in researchers to conduct detailed research in comprehending the influence of gut-brain-axis in the manifestation of depressive symptoms in epilepsy. The hypothesis which is explored in this review is that the gut-brain-axis do play an important role in the genesis of epilepsy and associated depression. The correction of this dysbiosis might be beneficial in treating both epilepsy and related depression. This hypothesis is illustrated through extensive literature discussion, proposed experimental models, and its applicability in the field. There is indirect evidence which revealed some specific bacterial strains that might cause depression in epilepsy.
Keywords: depression; epilepsy; gut microbiome; gut-brain-axis; vagus nerve.
Copyright © 2020 Shaikh, Lee, Chen and Shaikh.