Probiotic Bacteria Assist the Body in Coping with Stress

In new research, published in Brain, Behaviour and Immunity, researchers have described the mechanism by which Lactobacillus — a type of bacteria commonly present in fermented foods and yogurt — assists the body in coping with stress.

This research could pave the way for the development of innovative treatments and potential cures for a broad spectrum of diseases, encompassing both mental and physical health conditions.

Disruptions in the microbiota, whether due to illness, poor dietary choices, or other factors, are known to contribute to numerous diseases and can even facilitate the spread of cancer.

Consequently, researchers have become highly enthusiastic in recent years about the potential to combat diseases by targeting the microbiota.

To further their research on depression, the researchers utilized a collection of bacteria called Altered Schaedler Flora, comprising two strains of Lactobacillus and six other bacterial strains.

This unique bacterial community allowed them to create mice both with and without Lactobacillus, eliminating the need for antibiotics.

The researchers demonstrated how Lactobacilli influence behavior and how the absence of these bacteria can exacerbate depression and anxiety.

They found that Lactobacilli within the Lactobaccillacea family play a crucial role in maintaining the levels of an immune mediator known as interferon-gamma, which regulates the body’s response to stress and helps prevent depression.

The researchers are now poised to develop novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of depression and other mental health conditions in which Lactobacillus plays a significant role.

Sources:

Andrea R. Merchak, Samuel Wachamo, Lucille C. Brown, Alisha Thakur, Brett Moreau, Ryan M. Brown, Courtney R. Rivet-Noor, Tula Raghavan, Alban Gaultier. Lactobacillus from the Altered Schaedler Flora maintain IFNγ homeostasis to promote behavioral stress resilience. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Volume 115, January 2024, Pages 458-469. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.001 

By Paul Ian Cross, PhD on December 6, 2023. Probiotic bacteria found in yogurt, kefir may help improve mood. Retrieved December 6, 2023 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/probiotic-bacteria-lactobacillus-yogurt-kefir-improve-mood-depression-anxiety 

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