Mechanism of Microbiota-Gut-Brain in Perimenopausal Depression: An Inflammatory Perspective

Abstract Background Perimenopausal women often experience physiological and psychological decline due to the effects of oestrogen fluctuations and the decline of ovarian function, leading to significantly increased depression rates, decreases in the quality of life and mental health issues. Studies have shown that the gut microbiota exerts anti-perimenopausal depression (PMD) effects via the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis, the mechanisms of which may be related to inflammation. In this review, we discuss the effects and mechanisms of gut microbiota in PMD and provide new insights for future PMD treatment. Methods This review elaborates on the role of MGB axis in PMD from different aspects of inflammation, including gut microbiota metabolites, inflammatory signaling pathways, and clinical applications. Results Disorders of gut microbiota and decreased levels of gut microbiota metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, monoamine neurotransmitters) may cause PMD. The mechanism of intestinal microbiota-mediated inflammation may be related to TLR4/NF-κB pathway, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway and JAK-STAT pathway. At the same time, it was found that gut microbiota (probiotics, prebiotics, etc.) had good therapeutic potential in the treatment of PMD. Conclusions MGB axis mediated inflammation may play an important role in PMD. The application of gut microbiota in the treatment of PMD patients has profound clinical transformation value, but a lot of efforts are still needed.