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Gut–Brain Axis: A New Revolution to Understand the Pathogenesis of Autism and Other Severe Neurological Diseases

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Book cover Human Nutrition from the Gastroenterologist’s Perspective

Abstract

The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a complex communication network interfacing the gut and the brain of a single individual. The central (CNS) and enteric (ENS) nervous systems are, of course, communicating; however, other pathways are involved in GBA, among which are immune activation, intestinal barrier function, and enteroendocrine signaling. All these communication lines are bidirectional and involve neuro-immuno-endocrine mediators. The reason for the development of such a complex network is to maintain gastrointestinal homeostasis keeping in mind its links with cognitive and affective functions. Recently, the role of enteric flora, or microbiota, has been recognized as a part of the gut–brain axis. The gut microbiota can modulate brain function, forming a crucial link in the bidirectional interactions between the intestine and the nervous system.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples – SUN, Naples, Italy

    Laura de Magistris & Carmelina Loguercio

  2. Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples – SUN, Naples, Italy

    Dario Siniscalco

  3. Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Carmela Bravaccio

Authors
  1. Laura de Magistris
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  2. Dario Siniscalco
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  3. Carmela Bravaccio
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  4. Carmelina Loguercio
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Correspondence to Laura de Magistris .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Villa Santa Maria, Research & Development, Milan, Italy

    Enzo Grossi

  2. ASST Bergamo Est, Gastroenterology, Seriate (BG), Italy

    Fabio Pace

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de Magistris, L., Siniscalco, D., Bravaccio, C., Loguercio, C. (2016). Gut–Brain Axis: A New Revolution to Understand the Pathogenesis of Autism and Other Severe Neurological Diseases. In: Grossi, E., Pace, F. (eds) Human Nutrition from the Gastroenterologist’s Perspective. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30361-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30361-1_4

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