RT Journal Article
T1 Exploring the Role of Microglial Cells in the Gut–Brain Axis Communication: A Systematic Review
A1 Ortiz-Samur, Nadia Suyin
A1 Vijaya, Akshay Kumar
A1 Burokas, Aurelijus
A1 Mela, Virginia
K1 Intestinos -- Microbiología
K1 Microglía
K1 Neurología
K1 Sistema nervioso -- Enfermedades
K1 Sistema nervioso -- Degeneración
K1 Acidos grasos
K1 Cerebro -- Investigación
AB The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the CNS, playing a key role in neurological function, immune response, and metabolism. Microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain, are crucial regulators of neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity. Recent studies indicate that gut microbiota modulates microglial activity via metabolic and immune pathways, with implications for neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders. However, mechanisms underlying microbiota–microglia interactions remain unclear. Following a systematic screening of 4481 studies, 20 preclinical studies met inclusion criteria and were reviewed to assess microbiota–microglia interactions. These studies were identified via PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Findings synthesize results from 20 selected studies examining the impact of gut microbiota on microglial function. Experimental models, including fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary interventions, and bacterial supplementation, were analyzed. Microglial activity was assessed via immunohistochemistry, gene expression profiling, and functional assays. Most studies suggest that gut dysbiosis promotes microglial overactivation and neuroinflammation via microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, and neuroimmune signaling cascades such as TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes, whereas microbiota-targeted interventions reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. Despite promising findings, inconsistencies in study methodologies and microbiota analyses limit comparability and clinical translation. This review synthesizes studies linking gut microbiota alterations to microglial states, neuroinflammatory signatures, and cognitive outcomes across experimental models, highlighting the therapeutic potential of microbiota-based strategies to modulate microglial function and mitigate neuroinflammatory diseases.
PB WILEY
YR 2025
FD 2025-07-15
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/39915
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/39915
LA spa
NO Ortiz‐Samur, N. S., Vijaya, A. K., Burokas, A., & Mela, V. (2025). Exploring the Role of Microglial Cells in the Gut–Brain Axis Communication: A Systematic Review. Journal of Neurochemistry, 169(7), e70154.
NO Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA
DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga
RD 20 ene 2026