In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Neuroscience Institute have identified a significant link between gut microbes and anxiety-related behaviour.
Published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, the study reveals that microbial metabolites, particularly indoles, play a crucial role in regulating brain activity associated with anxiety.
The research highlights the growing prevalence of mental health disorders in Singapore, where one in seven individuals has experienced such conditions. The team conducted pre-clinical studies showing that germ-free environments, devoid of live microbes, resulted in heightened anxiety-related behaviour. This was linked to increased activity in the basolateral amygdala, a brain region involved in processing emotions like fear and anxiety.
Associate Professor Shawn Je from Duke-NUS explained, “Our findings reveal the specific and intricate neural process that links microbes to mental health. Those without any live microbes showed higher levels of anxious behaviour than those with live bacteria.”
The study further demonstrated that introducing live microbes or indoles to germ-free mice reduced anxiety-related behaviour by modulating neuronal activity. This suggests that indigenous microbes producing indoles could be harnessed for probiotic therapies aimed at reducing anxiety.
Professor Sven Pettersson from the National Neuroscience Institute noted the potential for targeting the gut-brain axis to treat anxiety disorders. He stated, “It opens the door for tailor-made therapies in line with 21st-century precision medicine.”
The researchers are now exploring clinical trials to assess the efficacy of indole-based probiotics or supplements in humans. If successful, this could pave the way for innovative mental health treatments that leverage gut microbes to maintain mental well-being.
