The Second Brain: Is the Gut Microbiota a Link Between Obesity and Central Nervous System Disorders?

Javier Ochoa-Repáraz, Lloyd H. Kasper

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

94 Scopus citations

Abstract

The gut-brain axis is a bi-directional integrated system composed by immune, endocrine, and neuronal components by which the gap between the gut microbiota and the brain is significantly impacted. An increasing number of different gut microbial species are now postulated to regulate brain function in health and disease. The westernized diet is hypothesized to be the cause of the current obesity levels in many countries, a major socio-economical health problem. Experimental and epidemiological evidence suggest that the gut microbiota is responsible for significant immunologic, neuronal, and endocrine changes that lead to obesity. We hypothesize that the gut microbiota, and changes associated with diet, affect the gut-brain axis and may possibly contribute to the development of mental illness. In this review, we discuss the links between diet, gut dysbiosis, obesity, and immunologic and neurologic diseases that impact brain function and behavior.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)51-64
Number of pages14
JournalCurrent obesity reports
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2016

Keywords

  • CNS diseases
  • Diet
  • Dysbiosis
  • Gut microbiota
  • Gut-brain axis
  • Obesity
  • CNS disease

EGS Disciplines

  • Biology

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