微生物病因学ジャーナル

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Gut-modulating Agents: Current Insights and Future Prospects

Abstract

Thomas Lehman

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy. While the exact etiology of ALS remains elusive, emerging evidence suggests a potential link between gut dysbiosis and disease progression. Gut-modulating agents, including probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions, have garnered increasing interest for their potential to modulate the gut microbiota and influence ALS pathogenesis. This review explores current insights into the interplay between ALS and gut microbiota, highlighting the role of gut-modulating agents in preclinical and clinical studies. We discuss mechanisms underlying the gut-brain axis and how dysregulation may contribute to ALS pathology. Furthermore, we examine the therapeutic potential of targeting the gut microbiota as a novel approach for ALS treatment and propose future research directions in this emerging field.