The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Emerging research suggests that depression is not solely a brain disorder but is deeply influenced by the gut microbiome. The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional communication system linking the gastrointestinal system and the brain, modulating mood, behavior, and mental health. Gut microbiota produce metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and tryptophan catabolites, that influence neurotransmission and the stress response via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, disrupts these pathways, contributing to a major depressive disorder (MDD). Evidence from germ-free animal studies and fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) highlights the role of gut microbiota in emotional regulation and stress response. Targeting the gut microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions presents a promising avenue for innovative and personalized depressive treatments.
Recommended Citation
Matan Shiller. (2025). The Bidirectional Gut-Brain Axis: Impact of Dysbiosis on Depression Through the HPA Axis. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 18(2), 139-143. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol18/iss2/19
