The Microbiome and the Brain

Brain related disorders are among the most challenging health issues of our time. The development of effective therapeutic and preventive strategies for these disorders relies on a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causative mechanisms. And, until recently, these mechanisms have remained somewhat elusive. The newly discovered pivotal role of the intestinal microbiome in brain health, functionality, and resistance to disease is revolutionizing neuroscience. The Microbiome and the Brain, through the contributions of some of the most forward thinking researchers and clinicians in the field, comprehensively reveals the leading edge of our understanding of the fundamental role of gut microbes and their metabolites in a wide array of seemingly diverse brain issues including Alzheimer's disease, autism, multiple sclerosis, and mood disorders. In addition, mechanisms defining these relationships are explored along with a presentation of the state-of-the-art as it relates to interpretation of relevant laboratory assessments. Finally, novel therapeutic opportunities, derived from this exciting science are presented. Readers will learn: The highly validated relationship between alterations of gut microbes and their metabolites, and risk for Alzheimer's disease. The important link between autism and intestinal dysbiosis. Appropriate interpretation of available laboratory assessments of the intestinal microbiome. The potential role of fecal microbial transplant in neurological diseases. The influence of diet and other lifestyle choices on the microbiome as it relates to brain health and functionality.

Cover; Half Title; Title Page; Copyright Page; Contents; Editor; List of Contributors; Introduction; Chapter 1: Assessing the Microbiome-Current and Future Technologies and Applications; Methods for Sequencing the Microbiome; 16S rRNA Sequencing; Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing; Generating Data from Samples; Common Descriptive Analysis Techniques for Microbiome Data; Diversity Analysis; Relative Abundance Plots; Functional Genomics; Critical Appraisal of Microbiome Data; Simple, Community-Level Analyses-16S rRNA Sequencing; Detailed Metagenomic Analyses-Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing

Bacterial Toxins Breaking the Gut and Blood-Brain BarriersThe Role of LPS in the Breakdown of the Blood-Brain Barrier and the Induction of Pathology in the CNS; Correlation of Intestinal Bacterial LPS Antibody with Occludin/Zonulin, S100B and Aquaporin 4; Association of Gram-Negative Bacterial Molecules (LPS, BCdT) with Alzheimer's Disease (AD); Circulating Antibodies against Bacterial Toxins May Become Pathogenic in the Context of BBB Breakdown; Conclusion; References; Chapter 4: The Microbiome-Its Role in Neuroinflammation: The Autism Spectrum Disorder Paradigm

Cross Communication between Brain and…