Page 42 - JCBP-3-3

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Microbiota in psychosomatic disorders

Research has shown that different microbiota profiles clear that different individuals require different bacterial
are associated with distinct mental health conditions. For strains or combinations to address specific imbalances
instance, studies have found that individuals with MDD or deficiencies in their gut microbiota. In addition, other
tend to have reduced microbial diversity, with lower levels secondary metabolites are involved in the microbiome in
of Faecalibacterium and Coprococcus, which are associated regulating disease. 132,133
with anti-inflammatory effects and SCFA production. Personalized probiotics aim to go beyond the traditional
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Understanding these specific microbial signatures approach by selecting bacterial strains that target an
enables the development of personalized therapies, where individual’s unique microbial composition. For instance, if
interventions such as probiotics, pre-biotics, or dietary
changes can be tailored to restore a more balanced microbial an individual has low levels of butyrate-producing bacteria
ecosystem in individuals with depression or anxiety. such as F. prausnitzii, which are crucial for maintaining
gut barrier integrity and reducing inflammation, a tailored
The development of microbiome-based diagnostics probiotic could include butyrate-producing strains to
and biomarkers is essential for advancing personalized enhance SCFA production and reduce neuroinflammatory
medicine in gut microbiota research. High-throughput processes that contribute to depression or anxiety. 134,135
sequencing technologies, such as whole-genome shotgun Similarly, pre-biotics can be personalized to promote the
metagenomics, enable detailed analysis of an individual’s growth of specific beneficial bacteria. For example, if an
microbiome, identifying microbial species, gene functions, individual’s microbiota is deficient in Bifidobacterium,
and metabolic pathways. This allows clinicians to assess which produces SCFAs and modulates immune responses,
microbial diversity, detect dysbiosis, and pinpoint pre-biotics, such as GOS or fructo-oligosaccharides could
microbial signatures associated with specific mental health be prescribed to enhance its growth selectively.
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or GI disorders.
Emerging research also highlights the potential
For example, machine learning models are being of using live biotherapeutics, engineered or naturally
developed to predict the likelihood of developing conditions, occurring microbial strains, designed to perform
such as IBS or depression based on an individual’s microbiota specific therapeutic functions, such as producing
composition. 128,129 These models integrate microbiome data neurotransmitters or modulating immune responses.
with other factors, such as genetic polymorphisms, dietary These live biotherapeutics could be used to precisely
habits, and immune responses, to create a comprehensive target the gut–brain axis in individuals with mood
profile of the individual’s gut–brain health. The ability to disorders or neurodegenerative conditions, offering a
identify microbial biomarkers associated with psychiatric more personalized and mechanistic approach to mental
disorders can also facilitate early diagnosis and intervention, health treatment. Diet plays a central role in shaping the
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enabling clinicians to apply targeted treatments before the gut microbiota, and personalized dietary interventions
onset of more severe symptoms.
offer a promising avenue for modulating gut–brain
One promising area of microbiome-based diagnostics interactions. A personalized approach to a diet takes into
is the identification of inflammatory markers linked to account an individual’s specific microbiota composition,
gut dysbiosis, which can contribute to neuroinflammation metabolic needs, and health goals to design interventions
and mood disorders. Inflammatory cytokines, such as that optimize gut health and mental well-being. For
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IL-6 and TNF-α, which are elevated in conditions, such example, some individuals may benefit from a high-
as depression, may be modulated by specific microbial fiber diet that promotes the growth of SCFA-producing
metabolites such as SCFAs or bile acids. 130,131 Measuring bacteria, which have anti-inflammatory effects and
these biomarkers could provide valuable insights into how support the production of key neurotransmitters, such as
personalized interventions, such as probiotics or dietary serotonin. In contrast, individuals with gut dysbiosis,
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changes, are influencing the gut–brain axis and improving characterized by an overgrowth of pro-inflammatory
mental health. bacteria, might benefit from a Mediterranean diet,
A critical component of personalized medicine in which is rich in polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids
the context of gut microbiota is the use of customized that reduce inflammation and support a healthy
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probiotics and pre-biotics tailored to an individual’s microbial balance. Personalized dietary interventions
specific microbial needs. Conventional probiotics are also take into account food intolerances, allergies,
often developed based on general health benefits and or sensitivities that can exacerbate gut inflammation
typically contain a limited number of bacterial strains, and impact mental health. The ketogenic diet, which
such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. However, as has gained attention for its neuroprotective effects,
our understanding of the microbiome grows, it becomes may be personalized for individuals with anxiety or

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 36 doi: 10.36922/JCBP025040008