Gut—brain: interactions in health and pathology

Gut-brain axis conception is an important achievement in understanding relationship between the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems functioning. Objective. To study the nature of relationship between the gut and the brain. Materials and methods. An analysis of domestic and foreign reviews, original articles, monographs, clinical and laboratory studies descriptions published over the past 5 years and presented in PubMed, eLibrary and RSCI databases was carried out. The following keywords were used: «gut-brain» axis», «gut microbiota», «inflammation», «neuromodulation», «gastrointestinal tract». The number of sources equal 57 has been analyzed. Results. An analysis of neuroanatomical pathways, hormonal signals and the role of gut microbiota in the modulating brain functions is presented. The pathology resulting from disruption of relationships between the gut and the brain is considered. Current and future therapeutic strategies are being discussed. Conclusion. Studying the «gut-brain» axis has the potential to change approach to diagnosis, treatment and prevention of both gastrointestinal tract pathology and neurodegenerative diseases.