Researchers from Ariel University in the West Bank have discovered a link between the composition of gut bacteria, inflammation markers, and their influence on social behavior, according to a new study published in the BMC Medicine journal further underscores the substantial impact of the bacterial population residing within us on our mental well-being In recent years, the study of the microbiome has gained significant traction within the scientific community. Evidence accumulated over the past decade highlights the many health benefits of gut bacteria, which impact various bodily systems. 3 View gallery How the colon and brain are linked ( Photo: shutterstock ) It is well established that the microbiome influences the central nervous system and brain functions.
Increasingly, research is showing a connection between the microbiome and our daily social behaviors, and more importantly, its link to behavioral disorders such as depression and anxiety. There is promising news: Researchers demonstrated that administering hyaluronic acid orally, which helped improve gut inflammation markers, significantly enhanced social behavior and reduced depression-like traits in mice characterized by antisocial behavior and poor stress management. However, this remains an initial study conducted on mice, so it will take time before these findings can be applied to humans.
In this study, funded by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF), researchers Prof. Shiri Navon-Venezia and Prof. Albert Pinhaso.