Function and role of the gut microbiome-brain axis
Interface between the body and the environment are populated by a large number of microorganisms, which are called the microbiome. The substances produced by the microbiome, their specific metabolites, have a significant influence on the host. The largest and most complex community of microorganisms in the body is the gut microbiome, which is made up of approximately 1015 microorganisms and is estimated to contain at least 1500-2000 different species. The composition of the microbiome is influenced by many factors, the way of birth, diet, antibiotic treatment, etc. Intake of live bacteria (probiotics), intake of specific bacterial nutrients (prebiotics) and their combination (symbiotics) may also influence of the gut microbiome.
Surprisingly, the effect of gut microbiome is not limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Recent research suggests that the microbiome can influence cognitive functions and mood through the gut-brain axis. The mechanisms how the gut microbiome affects the aspects of brain functions is in our research focus. The experiments aim to identify probiotics or postbiotics that could be used as complementary alternatives for the treatment of certain neurological/psychiatric diseases such as stress, anxiety/depression/affective symptoms and certain neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease).