Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jun 17. doi: 10.1007/s00406-017-0820-z. [Epub ahead of print]

The microbiome-gut-brain axis: implications for schizophrenia and antipsychotic induced weight gain.

Kanji S1, Fonseka TM1,2,3, Marshe VS1,4, Sriretnakumar V5,6, Hahn MK7,8, Müller DJ9,10.

Abstract

With the emergence of knowledge implicating the human gut microbiome in the development and regulation of several physiological systems, evidence has accumulated to suggest a role for the gut microbiome in psychiatric conditions and drug response.

A complex relationship between the enteric nervous system, the gut microbiota and the central nervous system has been described which allows for the microbiota to influence and respond to a variety of behaviors and psychiatric conditions.

Additionally, the use of pharmaceuticals may interact with and alter the microbiota to potentially contribute to adverse effects of the drug.

The gut microbiota has been described in several psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety, but only a few reports have discussed the role of the microbiome in schizophrenia. The following review examines the evidence surrounding the gut microbiota in behavior and psychiatric illness, the role of the microbiota in schizophrenia and the potential for antipsychotics to alter the gut microbiota and promote adverse metabolic events.

KEYWORDS:

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain; Gut brain axis; Gut microbiome; Schizophrenia

PMID:

28624847

DOI:

10.1007/s00406-017-0820-z