A study has revealed new insights into how chronic stress can harm the gut and trigger gastrointestinal disorders.
- This study shows that a bacteria present in the intestines of stressed mice interferes with the cells that protect against pathogens.
- According to the researchers: “The brain and gut are closely linked and respond to various stimuli.”
- By modifying the composition of the microbiome, stress can cause gastrointestinal disorders and even inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Researchers discovered a brain-intestine metabolic axis reacting to stress, which harms the regeneration of “good” intestinal cells, those supposed to protect the intestine.
Stress-induced brain-gut communication is involved in the pathogenesis and recurrence of intestinal disorders. Neurogastroenterology researchers conducted an in-depth study to understand how chronic stress affects the gut. According to this study, the relationship between chronic stress and gastrointestinal disorders is complex and poorly understood.
The impact of stress on the intestine
Cells normally responsible for forming protective cells in the intestine showed impaired function in mice exposed to prolonged stress. Specifically, the metabolism of intestinal stem cells that normally transform into protective cells for the intestine was malfunctioning. This led to reduced levels of these protective cells in stressed mice, compared to unstressed mice.
What is the role of the intestinal microbiome?
Researchers have also explored the role of the gut microbiome in the relationship between chronic stress and gastrointestinal disorders. Previous studies have shown that stress can reshape the microbiome (the community of bacteria that live in the gut) by activating the sympathetic nervous system. But, this study goes further by identifying a specific chemical substance, called indole-3-acetate, produced by certain intestinal bacteria when there is an episode of stress. This substance interferes with the development of protective cells in the intestine, thereby contributing to the deterioration of intestinal function.
A cause of the development of gastrointestinal diseases
This study sheds additional light on the role of chronic stress in the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. By understanding the hidden mechanisms by which stress affects the gut, it becomes possible to develop new treatment strategies targeting these mechanisms. For example, modulation of the intestinal microbiome could be an interesting perspective for the development of new therapies. The researchers of this study hope that these results will help improve the management of stress-related intestinal diseases that affect millions of people around the world.
