Bifidobacteria with indole-3-lactic acid-producing capacity exhibit psychobiotic potential via reducing neuroinflammation.

ABSTRACT: The escalating global prevalence of depression demands effective therapeutic strategies, with psychobiotics emerging as a promising solution. However, the molecular mechanisms governing the neurobehavioral impact of psychobiotics remain elusive. This study reveals a significant reduction in hippocampal indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) levels in depressed mice, which is ameliorated by the psychobiotic Bifidobacterium breve. In both human subjects and mice, the ILA increase in the circulatory system results from bifidobacteria supplementation. Further investigation identifies the key aromatic lactate dehydrogenase (Aldh) gene and pathway in bifidobacteria responsible for ILA production. Importantly, the antidepressant effects are nullified in the Aldh mutants compared to the wild-type strain. At t

SUBMITTER: Qian X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11604549 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature