Gut Microbiota Composition and Modulation in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies

Abstract

The gut microbiota (GM) is a rapidly evolving field of research that is increasingly explored in the context of various diseases. The complex interactions between the host and microbial communities play a crucial role in health and well-being. It is now understood that the GM communicates with nearly every human organ, including the central nervous system (CNS), through the microbiome–gut–brain (MGB) axis. Furthermore, accumulating evidence suggests that pathological shifts in the GM may lead to various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. While the link between epilepsy and the MGB axis is increasingly recognized, studies investigating the impact of GM alterations in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) remain limited. This review highlights recent clinical and preclinical studies examining the impact of GM composition on DEEs, with a focus on infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) and Dravet syndrome (DS). Further investigation into the relationship between GM dysbiosis and the progression of DEEs is crucial for developing potential therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the GM to alleviate seizures.