Biomedicines (Jun 2023)

The Role of the Microbiome in First Episode of Psychosis

  • Lucero Nuncio-Mora,
  • Nuria Lanzagorta,
  • Humberto Nicolini,
  • Emmanuel Sarmiento,
  • Galo Ortiz,
  • Fernanda Sosa,
  • Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061770
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 6
p. 1770

Abstract

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The relationship between the gut-brain-microbiome axis has gained great importance in the study of psychiatric disorders, as it may represent a new target for their treatment. To date, the available literature suggests that the microbiota may influence the pathophysiology of several diseases, including psychosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical and preclinical studies that have evaluated the differences in microbiota as well as the metabolic consequences related to psychosis. Current data suggest that the genera Lactobacillus and Megasphaera are increased in schizophrenia (SZ), as well as alterations in the glutamate-glutamine-GABA cycle, serum levels of tryptophan, kynurenic acid (KYNA), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). There are still very few studies on early-onset psychosis, thus more studies are needed to be able to propose targeted therapies for a point when the disease has just started or has not yet progressed.

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