A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that depression is associated with changes in gut microbiota that can induce neurobehavioural changes in rats. The research involved 34 patients with major depression and 33 healthy controls. Researchers collected data on cytokines, CRP, salivary cortisol, and plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein. Fecal samples were analyzed for 16S rRNA sequencing, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed from depressed patients to microbiota-deficient rats. The results showed that depression is linked to reduced gut microbiota richness and diversity. FMT from depressed patients to microbiota-deficient rats induced behavioural and physiological features of depression, including anhedonia and anxiety-like behaviours, as well as alterations in tryptophan metabolism. This suggests that the gut microbiota may play a causal role in the development of depression and could be a target for treatment and prevention. The study also found that depression is associated with an increased kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and pro-inflammatory profile. The findings indicate that the gut microbiota may influence brain function through the brain-gut-microbiota axis. The study highlights the potential of targeting the gut microbiota as a therapeutic strategy for depression.A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that depression is associated with changes in gut microbiota that can induce neurobehavioural changes in rats. The research involved 34 patients with major depression and 33 healthy controls. Researchers collected data on cytokines, CRP, salivary cortisol, and plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein. Fecal samples were analyzed for 16S rRNA sequencing, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed from depressed patients to microbiota-deficient rats. The results showed that depression is linked to reduced gut microbiota richness and diversity. FMT from depressed patients to microbiota-deficient rats induced behavioural and physiological features of depression, including anhedonia and anxiety-like behaviours, as well as alterations in tryptophan metabolism. This suggests that the gut microbiota may play a causal role in the development of depression and could be a target for treatment and prevention. The study also found that depression is associated with an increased kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and pro-inflammatory profile. The findings indicate that the gut microbiota may influence brain function through the brain-gut-microbiota axis. The study highlights the potential of targeting the gut microbiota as a therapeutic strategy for depression.