Published on: June 2026
“ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN NEUROTRANSMITTER REGULATION AND BRAIN FUNCTION: A REVIEW”
Gunlu Gangmei Jackricky N.Sangma H.Suraj Singha Marli Ango Hmangte Wendy Kom Samir Moirangthem
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Abstract
Objective:This review synthesizes current evidence from peer-reviewed literature on the mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulate neurotransmitter systems and influence brain function, with emphasis on clinical translation and diagnostic applications.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases (2015–2026) with Boolean operators: ("gut microbiota" OR "gut microbiome") AND ("neurotransmitters" OR "serotonin" OR "dopamine" OR "GABA") AND ("brain function" OR "gut-brain axis"). Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed original research and review articles in English, with preference for studies published in the last decade. The selection process followed PRISMA guidelines, yielding 127 articles for full-text review and 68 for final synthesis.
Results: Emerging evidence demonstrates that gut bacteria produce or modulate multiple neuroactive compounds, including serotonin, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and short-chain fatty acids. Commensal species such as Enterococcus faecalis synthesize dopamine, while Escherichia coli and Blautia producta generate GABA. Microbial metabolites influence brain function through neural (vagus nerve), endocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), and immune pathways. Dysbiosis is consistently associated with neuropsychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Clinical applications, including microbiome-based biomarkers and therapeutic interventions (probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation), show promise but require validation through large-scale randomized controlled trials.
Conclusion: The gut microbiota represents a modifiable target for neurological and psychiatric interventions. Future research must establish causality through mechanistic studies and develop standardized protocols for clinical translation.
Keywords: gut microbiota; gut-brain axis; neurotransmitters; GABA;; neuroinflammation
How to Cite this Paper
Gangmei, G., N.Sangma, J., Singha, H., Ango, M., Kom, H. W. & Moirangthem, S. (2026). “Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurotransmitter Regulation and Brain Function: A Review”. International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, <i>02</i>(6). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i6.376
Gangmei, Gunlu, et al.. "“Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurotransmitter Regulation and Brain Function: A Review”." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 02, no. 6, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i6.376.
Gangmei, Gunlu,Jackricky N.Sangma,H.Suraj Singha,Marli Ango,Hmangte Kom, and Samir Moirangthem. "“Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurotransmitter Regulation and Brain Function: A Review”." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management 02, no. 6 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i6.376.
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- •Published on: Jun 29 2026
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