Study Suggests Gut Viruses Play a Crucial Role in Managing Mental Stress
A recent study has uncovered the potential role of subintestinal viruses residing in our guts in controlling mental stress. This revelation strengthens the case for exploring new treatments to address stress-related conditions by understanding the relationship between the gut and the brain.
Past studies have indicated that the composition of microbes residing in the gut can influence outcomes related to mental stress. Rather than focusing solely on viruses, previous research primarily centered around bacteria.
Research Highlights the Influence of Gut Microbes on Mental Well-being
Dr. Nathaniel Ritz, affiliated with University College Cork, noted that previous information regarding the impact of viruses on bacteria and their relevance to stress-related health outcomes was limited. This research targets viruses, offering insights into mitigating the severity of stress-related effects while treating viral infections.
Nathaniel and his colleagues focused on a set of bacteriophages, named bacteriophages, in their study. These subintestinal viruses affect bacteria and can alter their behavior.
Researchers attempted to understand the changes occurring when these phages were subjected to chronic social stress, such as isolation or overcrowded conditions, in mice.
Observations revealed alterations in the arrangement of viruses in the mice's guts and changes in bacterial composition when they experienced stress.
Further experiments involved transplanting viruses collected from the guts of stress-free mice into mice prone to stress. The results demonstrated a reduction in depression and restlessness in the affected mice, suggesting a correlation between these viruses and mental well-being.