How does chronic stress harm the gut? New clues emerge

by | Feb 7, 2024 | Stress | 0 comments

  • Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which mental stress can adversely affect the intestines, leading to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • The study, published in Cell Metabolism, sheds light on how chronic stress can trigger changes in the gut microbiome, ultimately impacting intestinal health.

Key Findings:

  1. Reduced Protector Cells: Mice exposed to chronic stress exhibited reduced levels of cells that protect the intestines from pathogens. This reduction was attributed to malfunctioning metabolism in intestinal stem cells.
  2. Role of Microbiome: The researchers found that stress-induced activation of the sympathetic nervous system can reshape the gut microbiome. Specifically, bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus produce a chemical called indole-3-acetate (IAA), which interferes with the transformation of intestinal stem cells into protector cells.
  3. Human Relevance: Elevated levels of Lactobacillus bacteria and IAA were observed in the feces of individuals with depression, suggesting that the findings might extend to humans.
  4. Potential Intervention: Administering a supplement called α-ketoglutarate to stressed mice helped kick-start the metabolism of impaired stem cells in their intestines, offering a potential remedy for stress-induced gut dysfunction.

Future Directions:

  • Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of α-ketoglutarate supplementation and its efficacy in reducing gut dysfunction symptoms.
  • Investigation into upstream effects of stress on the gut and how the brain transmits signals that influence bacterial proliferation is planned for future studies.

Conclusion:

  • The study adds a new piece to the puzzle of the stress–gut connection, highlighting the complex interplay between mental stress, the gut microbiome, and intestinal health.
  • Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions targeting stress-related gastrointestinal conditions.