Gut microbiota modulate neurobehavior through changes in brain insulin sensitivity and metabolism
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Obesity and diabetes in humans are associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression. To understand the role of the gut microbiome and brain insulin resistance in these disorders, we evaluated behaviors and insulin action in brain of mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) with and without antibiotic treatment. We find that DIO mice have behaviors reflective of increased anxiety and depression. This is associated with decreased insulin signaling and increased inflammation in in the nucleus accumbens and amygdala. Treatment with oral metronidazole or vancomycin decreases inflammation, improves insulin signaling in the brain and reduces signs of anxiety and depression. These effects are associated with changes in the levels of tryptophan, GABA, BDNF, amino acids, and multiple acylcarnitines, and are transferable to germ-free mice by fecal transplant. Thus, changes in gut microbiota can control brain insulin signaling and metabolite levels, and this leads to altered neurobehaviors.
Source: Molecular Psychiatry
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,490
Awards: Role of PI 3-Kinase Isoforms in Insulin Action, Insulin Receptor Structure and Turnover, Insulin Receptor Structure and Turnover, G5407229621, Identification of gut microbiota- derived metabolites and the mechanisms that impair glucose metabolism, Insulin Receptor Substrates and Insulin Action, Diabetes Research Center, Integrated Epithelial and Muscosal Biology, Boston Area Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC)
OpenAlex ID: W2807828439