A systematic review of the effects of gut microbiota depletion on social and anxiety-related behaviours in adult rodents: Implications for translational research.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis is associated with several behaviours, including those relevant to anxiety or sociability in rodents, however, no conceptual framework has yet been available. Summary of the effects of antibiotic-mediated gut microbiota depletion on anxiety and sociability is essential to both inform further preclinical investigations and to guide translational research into human studies. The main objective is to examine the role of gut microbiota depletion on anxiety and sociability in rodents, and to consider how the findings can be translated to inform the design of research in humans. We reviewed 13 research articles, indicating significant changes in gut microbiota composition and diversity have been found in animals treated with a mix or a single antibiotic. Nonetheless, there is no consensus regarding the impact of gut microbiota depletion on anxiety-like or social behaviour. Gut microbiota depletion may be a useful strategy to examine the role of gut microbes in anxiety and sociability, but the lack of data from rigorous animal investigations precludes any definitive interpretations for a translational impact on human health.

Automated summary

The microbiota-gut-brain axis is associated with various behaviors, but a conceptual framework is lacking. Understanding the effects of antibiotic-mediated gut microbiota depletion on anxiety and sociability in rodents is important for further research and translation into human studies. Thirteen research articles were reviewed, showing significant changes in gut microbiota composition and diversity in animals treated with antibiotics. However, there is no consensus on the impact of gut microbiota depletion on anxiety or social behavior. Gut microbiota depletion may be a useful strategy to investigate the role of gut microbes in anxiety and sociability, but rigorous animal studies are needed for translational implications on human health.