Gut microbiota in cognitive dysfunction after spinal cord injury: a review

Abstract:

Spinal cord injuries, as a destructive disorder of the central nervous system, not only impair the patients’ motor and sensory abilities but also lead to varying degrees of cognitive dysfunction, affecting the quality of life of the patients. In recent years, studies have found a close association between gut microbiota and central nervous system function, especially concerning the mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in the individuals with spinal cord injuries. This paper reviews the progress in the role of gut microbiota in cognitive dysfunction after spinal cord injuries via three pathways: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmitters, and the immune system.