Gut Bacteria Protect Brain During Stress
- Researchers at Örebro University have developed a new model to understand the complex relationship between the gut and the brain.
- Collecting brain cells from living people isn't possible.
- "Skin cells are the closest we can get to brain cells," said Julia Rode, a biomedical researcher at Örebro University.
Researchers at Örebro University have developed a new model to understand the complex relationship between the gut and the brain. Early results suggest substances from the gut may protect the brain during stress – and a healthy diet could bolster resilience.
Collecting brain cells from living people isn’t possible. So,scientists created a model using skin cells to study the gut-brain connection.
“Skin cells are the closest we can get to brain cells,” said Julia Rode, a biomedical researcher at Örebro University. “Thay are similar in many ways.”
Simplified Version
The model uses skin cells as a simplified version of the blood-brain barrier. Researchers are examining how these cells react to fluid from the gut, collected from both healthy individuals and those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
“The study shows that when cells are exposed to stress, substances from the gut can have a protective effect,” Rode said.
stress can include mental health challenges or inflammation. under normal conditions, when cells weren’t stressed, researchers observed no difference.
Butyric Acid and Fiber
The researchers also investigated how butyric acid and fiber impact…