Relationship between intestinal microbiota and depression under a bibliographic review

Main Article Content

Melanie Nicole Guanina-Aranda
Roberto Iván Acosta-Gavilánez

Abstract

Depression is a mental disorder that affects behavior and thoughts, and limits the person's ability to interact socially and carry out daily activities, altering their lifestyle. Objective: Develop a framework that explains the influence of the intestinal microbiota on depression. Methodology: A review of the conceptual literature was carried out by searching scientific databases, analyzing systematic and conceptual reviews and meta-analyses that were included in the study under the selection of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: It was shown that the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and depression was investigated starting in the 17th century. The intestine is innervated by the enteric nervous system, which corresponds to a set of neurons within the gastrointestinal wall responsible for basic functions such as the secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones, motility, nutrient absorption and regulation of blood flow. The synthesis of neurotransmitters corresponds to a process that has currently been related to the intestinal microbiota.  The discovery of the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and its incidence in depression has been one of the pillars for treatment. An alternative has been the inclusion of the use of probiotics, due to the capacity of some strains such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium that intervene in the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, which are responsible for regulating the state of patient mood. Concludes: Elements such as the vagus nerve and the metabolization of amino acid precursors such as tyrosine and tryptophan that are a product of the intervention of the intestinal microbiota are key intermediaries in the relationship between the microbiota and depression and therapeutic strategies, such as The use of probiotics and dietary changes have shown benefits in reducing depressive symptoms. 

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How to Cite
Guanina-Aranda , M. ., & Acosta-Gavilánez , R. . (2025). Relationship between intestinal microbiota and depression under a bibliographic review . 593 Digital Publisher CEIT, 10(1), 869- 884. https://doi.org/10.33386/593dp.2025.1.2742
Section
Artículos de revisión
Author Biographies

Melanie Nicole Guanina-Aranda , Universidad Técnica de Ambato - Ecuador

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3103-6196

Rotational Medical Internship at the Hospital General Docente Ambato 

Medical student at the Technical University of Ambato. 

Roberto Iván Acosta-Gavilánez , Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Medicina Familiar - Ecuador

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8162-7600

Medical Specialist in Family and Community Medicine, Master in Gerontology and Person-Centered Care, Diploma in Scientific Research, Diploma in University Teaching. Coordinator of the Quisapincha Type A Health Center. Professor at the Technical University of Ambato. 

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