US scientists at the University of Virginia have found that the probiotic Lactobacillus, abundant in yogurt, may improve depression in mice by altering the gut microbiota of animals, and have raised the possibility of an ability to help treat the disease. depression.
In the new study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the team set out to determine a possible link between the “gut microbiota” and depression. First, they analyzed the gut bacteria of mice before and after stress (long-term stress increases the risk of depression). They found that stress reduced the lactobacilli in the animals’ intestines, and that the animals began to experience depression-like symptoms when the lactobacillus decreased.
Subsequent investigation showed that Lactobacillus affected the level of a blood metabolite called kynurenin – which is known to be associated with depression. They found that as lactobacillus in mice decreased, kynurenin increased. In the next experiment, they added a strain of Lactobacillus called Lactobacillus reuteri to the rat’s food for 3 weeks and found that the Lactobacillus grew back, the signs of depression were almost gone.
This work strengthens the evidence from many recent studies on the role of the gut microbiota in mental health. For example, a survey published in 2014 highlighted the ability of probiotics to help reduce stress and anxiety in adults.
