Gut microbiome-brain interactions in anorexia nervosa: Potential mechanisms and regulatory strategies

Ran Zhu; Peijun Tian; Hao Zhang; Gang Wang; Wei Chen

doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109315

Gut microbiome-brain interactions in anorexia nervosa: Potential mechanisms and regulatory strategies

Neuropharmacology. 2023 Feb 15:224:109315. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109315. Epub 2022 Nov 8.

Authors

Ran Zhu¹, Peijun Tian¹, Hao Zhang², Gang Wang³, Wei Chen⁴

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, 225004, China; Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
³ State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, 225004, China. Electronic address: wanggang@jiangnan.edu.cn.
⁴ State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.

PMID: 36356938
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109315

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder characterised by malnutrition, fear of weight gain, and body image disturbances. The aetiology of AN is complex, and may involve environmental factors, genetic factors, and biochemical factors, with the latter meaning that AN may be closely associated with neurons, neurotransmitters, and hormones related to appetite and emotional regulation. In addition, an increasing number of studies have shown there is a link between the intestinal microbiota and psychiatric disorders, such as depression. However, few studies and reviews have focused on AN and gut microbes. Accordingly, in this review, we examine the potential pathogenesis of AN in terms of changes in the gut microbiota and its metabolites, and their effects on AN. The neurobiological function of the nervous system in relation to AN are also been mentioned. Furthermore, we suggest future research directions for this field, and note that probiotics may be developed for use as dietary supplements to help alleviate AN in patients.

Keywords: Anorexia nervosa; Appetite; Gut microbiota; Hormones; Microbial metabolites.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Anorexia Nervosa* / metabolism
Appetite / physiology
Brain / metabolism
Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / physiology
Humans
Probiotics* / therapeutic use