Unraveling The Intricate Dialogue: Serotonin And The Gut Microbiome In Health And Disease

Dr. Youssef Benali; Dr. Salma El Idrissi

Authors

Dr. Youssef Benali Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco
Dr. Salma El Idrissi Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

Keywords:

Serotonin, Gut Microbiome, Tryptophan, Enterochromaffin Cells

Abstract

The gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic ecosystem where the gut microbiome and host-produced serotonin (5-HT) engage in complex bidirectional communication, profoundly impacting health and disease. This review highlights the critical role of the gut microbiome in modulating intestinal serotonin biosynthesis and metabolism, primarily through tryptophan processing and the production of microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids. Conversely, serotonin influences the gut microbial environment by regulating gut motility, secretion, and immune responses. Dysregulation within this serotonin-gut microbiome axis is implicated in various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety), and metabolic diseases. Understanding these intricate interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies to modulate this axis for improved health outcomes.

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