Summary
This narrative review examines the emerging evidence for a causal role of the gut microbiome in regulating early human brain development and its dysregulation in major neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. The authors propose a mechanistic model linking microbiome dysbiosis to exacerbated inflammatory states and resulting functional brain deficits, and identify early dietary intervention as a potential preventive or therapeutic strategy requiring further investigation.
Regional applicability
The review is international in scope and addresses fundamental mechanisms of the gut–brain axis applicable across populations. Its conclusions regarding dietary intervention and microbiome-targeted therapeutics would be relevant to United Kingdom clinical practice and public health policy, though implementation would require UK-specific evidence on dietary patterns and microbiome interventions in British populations.
Key measures
Microbiome composition and dysbiosis markers; brain development trajectories; neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder diagnosis and severity; inflammatory biomarkers; antimicrobial resistance in affected individuals
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on how gut microbiome composition and dysbiosis influence early brain development and the aetiology of neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. The authors examined the role of microbial metabolic by-products and inflammatory pathways in mediating these associations.
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