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Review
. 2024 May 17;31(2):244-268.
doi: 10.3390/pathophysiology31020019.

Neuromodulation and the Gut-Brain Axis: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Implications for Gastrointestinal and Neurological Disorders

Baha' Aljeradat  1   2 , Danisha Kumar  1   3 , Sulaiman Abdulmuizz  1   4 , Mrinmoy Kundu  1   5 , Yasser F Almealawy  1   6 , Dima Ratib Batarseh  1   2 , Oday Atallah  1   7 , Michelle Ennabe  1   8 , Muath Alsarafandi  1   9   10 , Albert Alan  1   11   12 , Martin Weinand  11   12
Affiliations
Review

Neuromodulation and the Gut-Brain Axis: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Implications for Gastrointestinal and Neurological Disorders

Baha' Aljeradat et al. Pathophysiology. .

Abstract

The gut-brain axis (GBA) represents a complex, bidirectional communication network that intricately connects the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding and intervening in this axis opens a pathway for therapeutic advancements for neurological and gastrointestinal diseases where the GBA has been proposed to play a role in the pathophysiology. In light of this, the current review assesses the effectiveness of neuromodulation techniques in treating neurological and gastrointestinal disorders by modulating the GBA, involving key elements such as gut microbiota, neurotrophic factors, and proinflammatory cytokines. Through a comprehensive literature review encompassing PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, this research highlights the role played by the GBA in neurological and gastrointestinal diseases, in addition to the impact of neuromodulation on the management of these conditions which include both gastrointestinal (irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)) and neurological disorders (Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and neuropsychiatric disorders). Despite existing challenges, the ability of neuromodulation to adjust disrupted neural pathways, alleviate pain, and mitigate inflammation is significant in improving the quality of life for patients, thereby offering exciting prospects for future advancements in patient care.

Keywords: deep brain stimulation; gut–brain axis; inflammatory bowel disease; irritable bowel syndrome; neuromodulation; vagus nerve stimulation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Key components and functions of the gut–brain axis. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 14 May 2024).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of VNS effects on gut–brain-physiology. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 14 May 2024).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Effects of DBS on gut–brain axis. Created with BioRender.com.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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