The emerging role of the gut microbiome in posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in some people following exposure to a terrifying or catastrophic event involving actual/threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. PTSD is a common and debilitating mental disorder that imposes a significant burden on individuals, their families, health services, and society. Moreover, PTSD is a risk factor for chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, as well as premature mortality. Furthermore, PTSD is associated with dysregulated immune function. Despite the high prevalence of PTSD, the mechanisms underlying its etiology and manifestations remain poorly understood. Compelling evidence indicates that the human gut microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in the development and function of the host nervous system, complex behaviors, and brain circuits. The gut microbiome may contribute to PTSD by influencing inflammation, stress responses, and neurotransmitter signaling, while bidirectional communication between the gut and brain involves mechanisms such as microbial metabolites, immune system activation, and the vagus nerve. In this literature review, we summarize recent findings on the role of the gut microbiome in PTSD in both human and animal studies. We discuss the methodological limitations of existing studies and suggest future research directions to further understand the role of the gut microbiome in PTSD.