Scientists from the University of Gothenburg have discovered that specific gut bacteria can produce serotonin, potentially leading to new treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Research from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden sheds light on the intricacies between gut bacteria and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), potentially paving the way for innovative treatments. The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, reveals that certain gut bacteria can produce serotonin, a key substance in bowel function and mood regulation.
IBS is a widespread gastrointestinal disorder, predominantly affecting women. Its symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea.
Although the exact cause remains elusive, the intestinal environment, particularly the gut microbiota and the neurotransmitter serotonin, plays a crucial role.
Serotonin is primarily known as a brain neurotransmitter, yet over 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, where it regulates bowel movements through the enteric nervous system, often referred to as the “gut-brain.”
While prior research showed that gut microbiota impacts serotonin levels, it was unclear whether gut bacteria could directly produce biologically active serotonin.
In this study, the researchers identified two bacteria, Limosilactobacillus mucosae and Ligilactobacillus ruminis, which can produce serotonin.
Experiments on germ-free mice with serotonin deficiency showed a marked increase in gut serotonin levels and a higher density of nerve cells in the colon when these bacteria were introduced. The bacteria effectively normalized intestinal transit time, suggesting improved bowel function.
“It is incredibly fascinating how the gut bacteria can produce bioactive signaling molecules that affect health,” Fredrik Bäckhed, a professor of molecular medicine at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy and one of the leading authors of the study, said in a news release.
The research also found that individuals with IBS had lower levels of L. mucosae in their stools compared to healthy individuals, indicating a potential link between this bacterium and IBS symptoms.
“Our results indicate that certain intestinal bacteria can produce bioactive serotonin and thus play an important role in intestinal health and open new avenues for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS,” added Magnus Simrén, a Sahlgrenska Academy professor of medical gastroenterology.
This breakthrough underscores the critical role of gut microbiota in health and disease, offering new hope for effective IBS treatments and enhancing our understanding of the gut-brain connection.
“Our findings indicate that intestinal bacteria can form signaling substances such as serotonin, which may be the key to understanding how the intestine and its inhabitants can affect our brain and behavior,” Bäckhed added.
Source: University of Gothenburg