AUTHOR=Hong Du , Zhang Chi , Wu Wenshuo , Lu Xiaohui , Zhang Liping 

TITLE=Modulation of the gut–brain axis via the gut microbiota: a new era in treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1133546

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2023.1133546

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=There are trillions of different microorganisms in the human digestive system. These gut microbes are involved in the digestion of food in the body and its conversion into the nutrients the body needs. In addition, the gut microbiota also communicates with other parts of the body to keep the body healthy. The connection between the gut microbiota and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis (GBA), connects the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and endocrine and immune pathways, and the gut microbiota regulates the central nervous system from the bottom up through the BGA, prompting considerable interest in the potential pathways of the gut microbiota in the prevention and treatment of amyotrophic lateralizing sclerosis (ALS). Studies on ALS model animals have shown that dysregulation of gut ecology leads to dysregulation of brain-gut signaling, inducing changes in the intestinal barrier, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation affecting the development of ALS. In contrast, altering the gut microbiota, suppressing inflammation, and delaying neuronal degeneration by using antibiotics and probiotic supplementation can alleviate the clinical symptoms and slow down the progression of ALS; therefore, the gut microbiota may be a key target for effective management and treatment of ALS.