Gut–Brain Axis: Focus on Sex Differences in Neuroinflammation

Mario Caldarelli, Pierluigi Rio, Andrea Marrone, Francesca Ocarino, Monica Chiantore, Marcello Candelli, Antonio Gasbarrini, Giovanni Gambassi, Rossella Cianci*

*Corresponding author

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the concept of the “gut–brain axis”. In addition to well-studied diseases associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota, such as cancer, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases, research is now exploring the potential role of gut microbial dysbiosis in the onset and development of brain-related diseases. When the function of the intestinal barrier is altered by dysbiosis, the aberrant immune system response interacts with the nervous system, leading to a state of “neuroinflammation”. The gut microbiota–brain axis is mediated by inflammatory and immunological mechanisms, neurotransmitters, and neuroendocrine pathways. This narrative review aims to illustrate the molecular basis of neuroinflammation and elaborate on the concept of the gut–brain axis by virtue of analyzing the various metabolites produced by the gut microbiome and how they might impact the nervous system. Additionally, the current review will highlight how sex influences these molecular mechanisms. In fact, sex hormones impact the brain–gut microbiota axis at different levels, such as the central nervous system, the enteric nervous one, and enteroendocrine cells. A deeper understanding of the gut–brain axis in human health and disease is crucial to guide diagnoses, treatments, and preventive interventions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)N/A-N/A
Number of pages24
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume25
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • gut–brain axis
  • neuroinflammation
  • sex differences

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