#gutbrainaxis

The insulin-like growth factor II gene plays a critical role in adult stem cell maintenance of both the intestine and the brain. Findings suggest IGF-2 is essential for multiple stem cell types, including those implicated in cognitive function and renewing the lining of the small intestine.

Read the full article here: https://neurosciencenews.com/gut-brain-stem-cells-11087/

In the study, the researchers removed the gene from adult mice either rapidly over five days or more slowly over 15 days. In the intestine, the fast deletion of the gene led to a rapid loss of fast-cycling stem cells that replenish the gut lining, leading to dramatic weight loss and death within a week. A slower deletion of the gene allowed the mice to survive due to the recruitment of a second, and more inactive, population of gut stem cells, whose existence has been debated. Additionally, the study revealed that half of the stem cells in two regions of the brain that house neural stem cells were lost, causing deficits in learning and memory, increased anxiety and a loss of the sense of smell.

(Their findings show that the insulin-like growth factor II gene is essential for multiple types of adult stem cells that are critical for cognitive function and renewing the lining of small intestine in adults. The image is adapted from the Rutgers University news release. )

New Gut–Brain Link May Explain ALS and Dementia Risk, Says Neurologist

A New Understanding of the Gut–Brain Axis

By Dr. Neeharika L. Mathukumalli, Senior Consultant Neurologist and specialist in autoimmune neurological diseases, STAR Hospitals, Banjara Hills

Recent research has strengthened the growing evidence that the gut–brain axis plays a critical role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), according to Dr. Neeharika L Mathukumalli, Sr. Consultant in Neurology and specialist in autoimmune neurological diseases at STAR Hospital, Banjara Hills.

Referring to a study published in Cell Reports, Dr. Neeharika explains that certain gut bacteria may produce inflammatory forms of glycogen, a type of sugar, which can trigger immune-mediated damage to brain cells. “This study provides an important biological link between gut microbiota and neuroinflammation, which has been a missing piece in understanding diseases like ALS and FTD,” she said.

How These Diseases Affect the Brain

ALS is a progressive neurological disorder affecting motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis, while FTD primarily impacts the frontal and temporal lobes, resulting in behavioral and language disturbances. In most patients, the exact cause of these conditions remains unclear.

Link Between Genetics and Environment

“The findings are particularly relevant because they help explain why some individuals with genetic predisposition, such as C9orf72 mutations, develop these diseases while others do not,” Dr. Neeharika noted. “It suggests that environmental factors, especially gut microbiome alterations, may influence disease onset and progression.”

According to the study, nearly 70% of patients with ALS and FTD were found to have elevated levels of harmful bacterial sugars, compared to about one-third of individuals without these conditions. “This difference is clinically significant and points toward a potential modifiable pathway,” she added.

Rising Disease Burden

Globally, ALS affects approximately 2–3 individuals per 100,000 population, and FTD accounts for around 10–20% of early-onset dementia cases. Notably, nearly 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, without a clear inherited cause, further highlighting the importance of identifying non-genetic contributors.

Why the Gut Matters

Dr. Neeharika emphasized that the human gut microbiome plays a major role in regulating the immune system. “The gastrointestinal system hosts trillions of microorganisms and is closely linked to immune function. Any imbalance in this system can have far-reaching effects, including on brain health,” she explained.

Implications for Future Treatment

From a treatment perspective, the findings open up new possibilities. “Targeting the gut microbiome—either by reducing harmful bacterial metabolites or modifying microbial composition—could emerge as a future therapeutic strategy,” she said. Early experimental data suggest that reducing these harmful sugars may improve neurological outcomes.

However, she cautioned that more clinical trials are needed before such approaches become part of routine care. “While the findings are promising, they should be seen as an early step toward understanding disease mechanisms rather than an immediate solution,” she noted.

Importance of Early Awareness

Dr. Neeharika also highlighted the importance of early awareness. “Neurodegenerative diseases often have a long preclinical phase. Identifying early biological triggers, such as gut-related inflammatory signals, may help in early diagnosis and intervention,” she said.

She added that maintaining gut health through balanced nutrition and lifestyle measures may play a supportive role, although its direct impact on preventing these diseases remains uncertain.

A Shift in Neurology

Your gut has 500 million neurons and talks to your brain 24/7. When your gut is broken — your brain feels anxious. When your gut heals — your anxiety finally eases.

Mind–Gut Connection: Advancing Research on the Gut–Brain Axis and Mental Health

Introduction

The connection between the human gut and brain has become one of the most significant discoveries in modern healthcare and nutrition science. Through a complex communication network known as the gut–brain axis, the gastrointestinal system and the brain continuously exchange signals that influence mood, cognition, immunity, metabolism, and overall well-being.

Recent scientific studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiome — trillions of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract — plays a crucial role in mental and neurological health. Imbalances in gut microbiota have been associated with conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. These findings are encouraging the development of innovative therapeutic approaches involving probiotics, psychobiotics, nutrition, and personalized microbiome-based interventions.

As awareness of mental health continues to grow globally, understanding the relationship between gut health and brain function has become essential for advancing preventive and personalized medicine.

Description of the Gut–Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the central nervous system with the enteric nervous system through neural, hormonal, metabolic, and immune pathways. This dynamic interaction allows gut microorganisms to influence brain activity, emotional responses, stress management, and cognitive performance.

The gut microbiome contributes to the production of important neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are directly linked to mood regulation and mental health. Scientific evidence suggests that maintaining a balanced gut microbiota may positively support emotional stability, memory, concentration, and stress resilience.

Current research in this field focuses on:

Psychobiotics and mood-enhancing probiotics

Gut microbiota and anxiety disorders

Nutritional interventions for depression and stress

Neuroinflammation and cognitive health

Personalized probiotic therapies

Microbiome-based mental health solutions

Gut health and neurological disorders

These advancements are creating new opportunities for integrating nutrition, microbiology, neuroscience, and personalized medicine into future healthcare practices.

Benefits of Gut–Brain Axis Research

Research on the gut–brain connection offers numerous benefits for healthcare, nutrition, and mental wellness, including:

Key Benefits

Improved understanding of mental health disorders

Development of microbiome-targeted therapies

Enhanced emotional and cognitive well-being

Better stress management and mood regulation

Personalized nutrition and probiotic interventions

Potential prevention strategies for neurological diseases

Advancement of precision medicine approaches

Improved quality of life through holistic healthcare solutions

The growing application of probiotics and nutritional therapies may provide safer, more personalized, and preventive strategies for supporting both physical and mental health.

About the Conference

Track 6: Gut–Brain Axis and Mental Health will be featured at the . This prestigious international conference will bring together leading scientists, researchers, clinicians, nutritionists, academicians, healthcare professionals, and industry experts from around the world to discuss the latest scientific developments in probiotics, microbiome science, nutrition, and gut health.

The conference aims to encourage global scientific collaboration, promote innovative research, and provide a platform for knowledge exchange in emerging areas of microbiome and mental health research.

Conference Highlights

30 CME & CPD Credit Hours

International keynote and plenary sessions

Oral and poster research presentations

Networking with global experts and professionals

Hybrid participation: In-Person & Virtual

Industry exhibitions and collaborative opportunities

Important Links

Conference Website : https://probiotics-guthealth.utilitarianconferences.com/

Scientific Sessions : https://probiotics-guthealth.utilitarianconferences.com/scientific-sessions

Submit Abstract : https://probiotics-guthealth.utilitarianconferences.com/submit-abstract

Registration : https://probiotics-guthealth.utilitarianconferences.com/registration

WhatsApp Support : https://wa.me/+971551792927

Conclusion

The rapidly evolving field of gut–brain axis research is transforming the understanding of mental health and personalized healthcare. Scientific advancements continue to reveal the powerful relationship between the gut microbiome and brain function, opening new possibilities for innovative probiotic therapies, nutritional strategies, and microbiome-based interventions.

Holistic Treatment for Anxiety We’ve all been there—that feeling like an invisible motor is running at full speed under your skin. Your heart races, your breath hitches, and your mind begins to spin a web of “what-ifs” that would rival a Hollywood disaster script. In our modern, high-bandwidth world, anxiety has become the background hum of our lives. When we look for help, we are often…