Beneath the surface: unveiling the gut–brain axis in anorexia and depression

Abstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) and depression are complex conditions with high comorbidity, impacting mental and physical health. Recent research suggests gut microbiota plays a significant role in their development and progression. This correspondence highlights the critical gaps in understanding t...

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Main Authors: Fatima Shahid, Zain Afridi, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Nabeel Saddique, Javed Iqbal, Anurag Jha
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-02-01
Series:Eating and Weight Disorders
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-025-01719-2
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author Fatima Shahid
Zain Afridi
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Nabeel Saddique
Javed Iqbal
Anurag Jha
author_facet Fatima Shahid
Zain Afridi
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Nabeel Saddique
Javed Iqbal
Anurag Jha
author_sort Fatima Shahid
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) and depression are complex conditions with high comorbidity, impacting mental and physical health. Recent research suggests gut microbiota plays a significant role in their development and progression. This correspondence highlights the critical gaps in understanding the gut–brain axis in AN and depression, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research. We discuss recent findings, including altered gut microbiota profiles and inflammatory factors, and identify key areas for future investigation. These include large-scale, multi-center studies to quantify microbiota profiles, mechanistic understanding of gut microbiota alterations, and diagnostic and therapeutic advances using microbiota as biomarkers. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. By exploring the underlying mechanisms, validating biomarkers, and developing targeted therapies, we can enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve treatment outcomes, and better support patients with AN and depression. This research has the potential to transform the management of these conditions and improve quality of life for those affected. Level of evidence Low level of evidence as it is a personal opinion.
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series Eating and Weight Disorders
spelling doaj-art-703896418da042c3b3e618c29e611f042025-02-09T12:04:43ZengSpringerEating and Weight Disorders1590-12622025-02-013011310.1007/s40519-025-01719-2Beneath the surface: unveiling the gut–brain axis in anorexia and depressionFatima Shahid0Zain Afridi1Muhammad Ali2Muhammad Nabeel Saddique3Javed Iqbal4Anurag Jha5King Edward Medical UniversityKhyber Medical UniversityKhyber Medical UniversityKing Edward Medical UniversityHamad Medical CorporationKing Edward Medical UniversityAbstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) and depression are complex conditions with high comorbidity, impacting mental and physical health. Recent research suggests gut microbiota plays a significant role in their development and progression. This correspondence highlights the critical gaps in understanding the gut–brain axis in AN and depression, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research. We discuss recent findings, including altered gut microbiota profiles and inflammatory factors, and identify key areas for future investigation. These include large-scale, multi-center studies to quantify microbiota profiles, mechanistic understanding of gut microbiota alterations, and diagnostic and therapeutic advances using microbiota as biomarkers. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. By exploring the underlying mechanisms, validating biomarkers, and developing targeted therapies, we can enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve treatment outcomes, and better support patients with AN and depression. This research has the potential to transform the management of these conditions and improve quality of life for those affected. Level of evidence Low level of evidence as it is a personal opinion.https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-025-01719-2Gut microbiotaAnorexia nervosaMajor depressive disorderBiomarkers
spellingShingle Fatima Shahid
Zain Afridi
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Nabeel Saddique
Javed Iqbal
Anurag Jha
Beneath the surface: unveiling the gut–brain axis in anorexia and depression
Eating and Weight Disorders
Gut microbiota
Anorexia nervosa
Major depressive disorder
Biomarkers
title Beneath the surface: unveiling the gut–brain axis in anorexia and depression
title_full Beneath the surface: unveiling the gut–brain axis in anorexia and depression
title_fullStr Beneath the surface: unveiling the gut–brain axis in anorexia and depression
title_full_unstemmed Beneath the surface: unveiling the gut–brain axis in anorexia and depression
title_short Beneath the surface: unveiling the gut–brain axis in anorexia and depression
title_sort beneath the surface unveiling the gut brain axis in anorexia and depression
topic Gut microbiota
Anorexia nervosa
Major depressive disorder
Biomarkers
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-025-01719-2
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