Research progress in signaling of gut microbiota-gut-brain-muscle axis

Abstract:

The roles of gut microbiota and its metabolites in the pathogenesis and rehabilitation of neurodegenerative diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and musculoskeletal systemic diseases in the elderly are receiving increasing attention. Gut microbiota and its metabolites can regulate the functions of the cranial nervous system and the musculoskeletal system through various pathways, involving the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. Conversely, the gut, brain, and musculoskeletal system can act on the intestinal system via inflammatory, metabolic, and mitochondrial pathways to regulate the gut microbiota. Accordingly, bidirectional signaling mechanisms are formed via the gut-brain, gut-muscle, and gut-brain-muscle axes, which affect the organism health. This review summarizes that gut microbiota establishes gut-brain-muscle interconnections mainly through metabolites, intestinal permeability, and immune-neural pathways, providing new ideas for improving the brain neuroplasticity and muscle health.