Study: Gut Bacteria Can Directly Influence Anxiety and Mood
Researchers from Singapore have discovered that gut microbes produce compounds that affect brain regions responsible for fear, paving the way for new anxiety treatments.
Scientists in Singapore have published a study revealing how gut bacteria can directly influence the brain and mood. The research, published in the journal "EMBO Molecular Medicine," shows that certain chemical compounds produced by gut microbes act on the brain region that processes fear and anxiety – the basolateral amygdala (BLA).
In experiments with mice raised without microbes, the animals exhibited significantly more anxious behavior compared to mice with normal gut flora. Their brains showed increased activity in the BLA region, along with changes in nerve cell proteins – SK2 channels, which act as neuronal "brakes." Without microbial signals, these channels functioned poorly, making neurons more excitable and triggering anxiety.
When researchers restored gut microbes or administered indoles – substances produced by certain bacteria – BLA activity decreased, SK2 channel function improved, and anxiety levels dropped substantially. This indicates that microbial compounds directly help maintain emotional balance.
The finding could lead to new treatment strategies for anxiety disorders, such as special diets, indole-based supplements, or probiotics that promote indole production. Although clinical trials in humans are still needed, the study is particularly valuable because it details a specific biological mechanism, providing a clear target for future therapies. Other research, such as in the journal "Mental Health Research," also points to the potential of probiotics, but the effect depends on the specific bacterial strain and the individual's initial microbiome state.
