Exploring the links between pro-inflammatory diets, gut dysbiosis, serotonin, and their implications for psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Mounting evidence highlights the intricate relationships involving pro-inflammatory diets, gut dysbiosis, serotonin, and the landscape of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Pro-inflammatory diets have garnered attention due to their association with chronic systemic inflammation, which is implicated in the genesis and progression of diverse mental health conditions, ranging from anxiety and depression to complex neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In this scenario, the gut-brain axis plays a fundamental role, since alterations in gut microbiota impact the production of neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin – a central regulator of mood and emotion, thereby contributing to mood disorders and cognitive perturbations. The implications of these multifaceted interactions are profound, and the identification of these complex associations has catalyzed innovative therapeutic explorations. Within this article, we comprehensively review the nexus between pro-inflammatory diets, gut dysbiosis, serotonin dynamics, and their profound repercussions on psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This exposition sheds light on a captivating realm of scientific inquiry, poised to unravel the mechanisms underpinning these connections. As these intricate pathways are elucidated, novel strategies for the prevention, management, and potential treatment of these debilitating conditions come into focus.