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SECTION I: MOLECULAR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOCHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY 251acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid. These results demonstrate a positive relationship between Bacillus and the increased production of SCFAs in chickens [4].The mechanisms through which SCFAs can exert therapeutic effects in depression are diverse. By enhancing the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier to combat pathogenic factors, SCFAs help maintain gut health, which can, in turn, support the neural function of the gut-brain axis. Butyrate and propionate are involved in the regulation of cytokine production and release through G-protein receptors on immune cells [18]. Notably, studies on depression in mice treated with butyrate have shown an increase in the levels of serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) [19]. Therefore, Bacillus strains, through the production of SCFAs, particularly butyrate, hold promising potential in managing depression.4. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFICACYOne of the hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of depression is closely related to neuroinflammation [20], characterized by increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of inflammatory responses. The anti-inflammatory effects of Bacillus strains have been widely studied, particularly their ability to regulate immune responses and alleviate conditions associated with chronic inflammation, including depression. One of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Bacillusinvolves modulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In a study by E. Khokhlova et al., B. clausii was shown to inhibit the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human intestinal cells (HT-29) and macrophages, thereby reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory