Lactobacillus Bacteria May Guard Against Anxiety and Depression
University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the role of Lactobacillus, a bacterium commonly found in fermented foods and yogurt, in managing stress and potentially preventing anxiety and depression. This research provides valuable insights into the specific role of Lactobacillus, setting it apart from other microbiota, and highlights its importance in maintaining mental well-being.
The study conducted by researchers from UVA’s Alban Gaultier, Ph.D., and his collaborators focuses on the significant impact of Lactobacillus on interferon gamma levels. Interferon gamma is a key immune system mediator essential for the stress response and overall mental health. By maintaining appropriate levels of interferon gamma, Lactobacillus plays a crucial role in managing stress and potentially preventing depression and anxiety.
This research opens up new possibilities for developing innovative treatments for mental health conditions. By targeting Lactobacillus, scientists can explore novel approaches to understanding the role of individual microbes in combating diseases, both mental and physical. The findings have the potential to revolutionize the development of therapies and cures for various mental health disorders.
The human gut is home to a vast array of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively known as the microbiota. These microorganisms and their intricate interactions have a significant impact on our immune system, mental well-being, and overall health. Disruptions in the microbiota can contribute to the development of numerous diseases, including cancer. As a result, researchers have increasingly focused on targeting the microbiota to combat illnesses and enhance overall health.
Efforts to manipulate the gut flora using probiotics, beneficial bacteria, have yielded mixed results due to the complexity of the microbiome. With an estimated 39 trillion microorganisms living within each human body, comprehending the specific functions and interactions of individual bacteria and fungi can be immensely challenging.
Dr. Gaultier and his team overcame this challenge by narrowing their focus to Lactobacilli. Previous research from Dr. Gaultier’s lab had already indicated that this bacterium had the potential to reverse depression in laboratory mice, arousing significant interest in its mechanisms of action. To further investigate, the researchers utilized a collection of bacteria called Altered Schaedler Flora, which includes certain strains of Lactobacillus along with six other bacterial strains.
By leveraging this unique bacterial community, the researchers were able to study the effects of Lactobacillus in mice both with and without the bacterium, eliminating the need for antibiotics. The Altered Schaedler Flora yielded promising results, shedding light on exactly how Lactobacillus influences behavior and how its absence can exacerbate depression and anxiety. The researchers discovered that Lactobacilli in the Lactobaccillacea family maintain steady levels of interferon gamma, which regulate the body’s stress response and help ward off depression.
These findings provide researchers with crucial information to develop preventions and treatments for depression and other mental health conditions associated with the role of Lactobacillus. In the future, individuals at risk for or struggling with depression may have access to specially formulated probiotic supplements that optimize their levels of beneficial Lactobacillus.
These results provide us with new tools for refining the development of probiotics, allowing for faster discoveries of novel therapies, said researcher Andrea R. Merchak, Ph.D.
Maintaining a healthy level of Lactobacillus and interferon gamma could be investigated as a potential avenue for preventing and treating anxiety and depression. Additional research in this area holds promise for improving the lives of individuals suffering from mental health disorders.
The researchers from the University of Virginia have published their findings in the journal Brain Behavior and Immunity. The research team included Merchak, Samuel Wachamo, Lucille C. Brown, Alisha Thakur, Brett Moreau, Ryan M. Brown, Courtney Rivet-Noor, Tula Raghavan, and Gaultier. The study was supported by various grants from the National Institutes of Health, along with support from the Owens Family Foundation, the Miller Family, the UVA TransUniversity Microbiome Initiative, and the UVA Presidential Fellowship in Neuroscience.
In conclusion, this breakthrough research highlights the significant role of Lactobacillus in managing stress and potentially preventing anxiety and depression. By focusing on this particular bacterium, scientists can explore new avenues for developing therapies and cures for mental health conditions. This research offers hope for a future where innovative treatments can optimize the levels of beneficial Lactobacillus, improving the mental well-being of individuals worldwide.
