The Gut Microbiota-astrocyte Axis: Implications for Type 2 Diabetic Cognitive Dysfunction

Overview

Journal CNS Neurosci Ther

Specialties Neurology
Pharmacology

Date 2023 Jan 5

PMID 36601656

Authors

Zi-Han Li

Ya-Yi Jiang

Cai-Yi Long

Qian Peng

Ren-Song Yue

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is one of the most insidious complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can seriously affect the ability to self-monitoring of blood glucose and the quality of life in the elderly. Previous pathological studies of cognitive dysfunction have focused on neuronal dysfunction, characterized by extracellular beta-amyloid deposition and intracellular tau hyperphosphorylation. In recent years, astrocytes have been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunction and important participants in the central control of metabolism. The disorder of gut microbiota and their metabolites have been linked to a series of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The imbalance of intestinal flora has the effect of promoting the occurrence and deterioration of several diabetes-related complications. Gut microbes and their metabolites can drive astrocyte activation.

Aims: We reviewed the pathological progress of DCD related to the "gut microbiota-astrocyte" axis in terms of peripheral and central inflammation, intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, systemic and brain energy metabolism disorders to deepen the pathological research progress of DCD and explore the potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusion: "Gut microbiota-astrocyte" axis, unique bidirectional crosstalk in the brain-gut axis, mediates the intermediate pathological process of neurocognitive dysfunction secondary to metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus.

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