Introduction to Gut Microbiota and their Effects on Various Brain Disorders

Human gut microbiota (GM) research has emerged as one of the most promising fields in recent years. Moreover, a major area of interest is the connection between GM and several human disorders. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the vital roles that the gut microbiome plays in human physiology and pathology. Additionally, microbiome-based medicines have been used to cure illnesses. In biomedical research, aging and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have also attracted a lot of attention. To explore the potential pathogenic or therapeutic impacts of GM in diseases, several researchers have examined the connections between these factors. Numerous biologically active chemicals produced by microbiota have an impact on neurochemistry via neuroendocrine, immunological, and metabolic pathways. Gastrointestinal functional disturbances can manifest well in advance of the onset of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, recent advancements in both preclinical and clinical research have indicated that the composition of the GM assumes a significant role in governing the dynamic interplay between the gut-brain axis, potentially bearing relevance to the etiology of neurodegenerative maladies. This chapter focuses on the relationship between the microbiota and neurodegeneration, as well as the pertinent mechanisms, present applications, and potential future prospects for microbiome-based therapy. 

Keywords: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Huntington’s Disease, Intestinal Microbiome, Microbiota, Neurodegeneration, Parkinson's.