Gut Microbiome-A Missing Link in the Gut-Brain Axis

Abstract

The coordinated interactions between the gut and brain through gut-associated immune system, enteric nervous system (ENS), and gut-based endocrine system is now scientifically established so strongly that ENS is accepted as a separate entity and designated as gut brain or second brain, independent from the Central Nervous System (CNS). The Gut-Brain axis (GBA) is a two way link between the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the central nervous system (CNS). The bidirectional communication network of GBA includes the central nervous system (CNS), both brain and spinal cord, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.