Abstract
- Objectives
Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota communicates with the central nervous system, possibly through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways, and influences brain function. Bifidobacterium longum 1714 has previously been shown to attenuate cortisol output and stress responses in healthy subjects exposed to an acute stressor. However, the ability of Bifidobacterium longum 1714 to modulate brain function in humans is unclear.
- Methods
In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, the effects of Bifidobacterium longum 1714 on neural responses to social stress, induced by the Cyberball game standardized social stress paradigm, were studied. Forty healthy volunteers received either Bifidobacterium longum 1714 or a placebo for 4 weeks at a dose of 1 billion colony-forming units per day. Brain activity was measured using magnetoencephalography, and health status was assessed using the 36-item short-form health survey.
- Results
Bifidobacterium longum 1714 altered resting-state neural oscillations, with an increase in theta band power in the frontal and cingulate cortex and a decrease in the beta-3 band in the hippocampus, fusiform, and temporal cortex, both of which were associated with subjective vitality changes. All groups showed increased social stress after a 4-week intervention without an effect at the behavioral level due to small sample numbers. However, only Bifidobacterium longum 1714 altered neural oscillation after social stress, with increased theta and alpha band power in the frontal and cingulate cortex and supramarginal gyrus.
- Discussion
Bifidobacterium longum 1714 modulated resting neural activity that correlated with enhanced vitality and reduced mental fatigue. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium longum 1714 modulated neural responses during social stress, which may be involved in the activation of brain coping centers to counter-regulate negative emotions.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6615936/