Indo-German study links gut bacteria imbalance to memory, cognitive decline

A collaborative IndoGerman research team has identified a clear biological mechanism linking disturbances in gut bacteria to impaired memory learning and cognitive function CUSAT said on ThursdayThe study published in the latest issue of BMC Biology demonstrates how disruption of the gut microbiome commonly triggered by prolonged antibiotic use or dietary imbalance initiates systemic inflammation that ultimately affects the neural circuits responsible for memory formation CUSAT said in a statementBMC Biology is an openaccess scientific journal publishing original peerreviewed research across all fields of biologyThe research was conducted under a program supported by the Department of Science and Technology DST and the German Academic Exchange Service DAADThe team was led by Dr Baby Chakrapani PS from the Centre of Excellence in Neurodegeneration and Brain Health CENABH and the Centre for Neuroscience Department of Biotechnology at Cochin University of Science and Technology and Prof Martin Korte from the Technical University of Braunschweig and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research HZIThe research was carried out as part of Krishnapriyas doctoral research under the supervision of ChakrapaniCUSATs statement explained that researchers examined how antibioticinduced gut dysbiosis an imbalance in the gut microbial community impacts physiological processes beyond the intestineTheir findings reveal that disturbances in gut bacteria trigger a cascade of inflammatory and oxidative responses that compromise the integrity of the gut barrier generating signals that reach the brain and alter its immune environmentGut dysbiosis initiates a systemic inflammatory state that does not remain confined to the gut These inflammatory cues eventually influence the brains own immune cells Chakrapani saidA crucial observation concerned the behaviour of microglia the brains resident immune cells which act as custodians by removing cellular waste and pruning weak or unnecessary synapsesiquestthe junctions through which neurons communicateUnder sustained gutderived inflammatory stress microglia became overactive removing not only weak synapses but also healthy neural connections essential for memory formationInstead of selectively refining synapses they began removing critical neural connections involved in forming and storing memories This excessive pruning led to observable difficulties in learning and memory tasks Korte saidThe researchers emphasised that gut dysbiosis is increasingly common due to frequent antibiotic use highly processed diets stress and poor sleepiquestfactors that reduce gut microbial diversityPeople often think of gut health only in relation to digestion Korte said adding But our results show that maintaining a healthy gut environment is also essential for cognitive wellbeingAccording to CUSAT the findings open new avenues for interventions suggesting that safeguarding gut health through prudent antibiotic use targeted probiotics and a balanced diet may not only protect the digestive system but also actively preserve cognitive functionsWe are only beginning to understand how deeply connected the gut and brain really are This study is one step towards mapping that complex relationship Chakrapani saidThe team expects future studies to explore whether restoring gut balance could reverse cognitive deficits and whether similar mechanisms are involved in neurodegenerative disordersThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever