The role of gut microbiota‐derived metabolites in neuroinflammation

Abstract

Abstract Neuroinflammation, a key defense mechanism of the nervous system, is associated with changes in inflammatory markers and stimulation of neuroimmune cells such as microglia and astrocytes. Growing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota and its metabolites directly or indirectly regulate host health. According to recent studies, bacterial dysbiosis in the gut is closely linked to several central nervous system disorders that cause neuroinflammation, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, sepsis‐associated encephalopathy, and ischemic stroke. Recent findings indicate a bidirectional communication network between the gut microbiota and central nervous system that influences neuroinflammation and cognitive function. Dysregulation of this system can affect the generation of cytotoxic metabolites, promote neuroinflammation, and impair cognition. This review explores the lesser‐studied microbiota‐derived metabolites involved in neuroinflammation—bile acids, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide, and indole derivatives—as targets for creating new treatment tools for neuroinflammatory illnesses, as well as possible biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis.

Keywords

• bile acids
• indoles
• microbiota‐gut–brain axis
• neuroinflammation
• TMAO