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SECTION I: MOLECULAR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOCHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY 247of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels are linked to depression. Bacillus can reduce cortisol levels, decrease stress, and promote a sense of well-being. By influencing the HPA axis, Bacillus can help prevent or reduce the onset of depression [9].The hypothesis of oxidative stress in depression suggests that an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants may cause neuronal damage. Bacillus probiotics have antioxidant properties, neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting nerve cells. Bacillus also supports the integrity of the gut barrier, preventing harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream, thus protecting both gut and brain health, and reducing the risk of depression [10, 11]. 1. GUT-BRAIN AXIS INTERACTIONRecent advances in gut microbiome research have highlighted the important role of the gut-brain axis (GBA) in mental health, especially in neuroinflammatory conditions. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network involving neural, hormonal, and immune signaling pathways, along with the gut microbiome. Neurotransmitters, bacterial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and amino acids interact with the central nervous system (CNS) and immune system. These interactions can influence behavior, memory, mood, and even neurodevelopmental processes [12]. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, has been linked to various pathological conditions, including CNS diseases, suggesting that the gut microbiome can impact brain health through complex mechanisms.Probiotic use can help regulate the gut microbiome, improve immune system function, and positively affect the GBA.