Impact of gut microbiota on neurogenesis and neurological diseases during infancy

Abstract

The first years of life constitute a crucial period for neurodevelopment and a window of opportunity to develop new strategies to prevent neurological and mental diseases. Different studies have shown the influence of gut bacteria in neurogenesis and a functional relationship between gut microbiota and the brain, known as 'gut-brain axis', in which the intestinal microbiota is proposed to play a key role in neurophysiological processes. It has been observed that certain microbiome metabolites could be related to the development of neurological disorders through mechanisms still unknown. Then, more studies are needed to broaden the knowledge regarding the relationship between the Central Nervous System and the gastrointestinal tract, which could help to develop new preventive and treatment protocols.