AUTHOR=Li Jiayu , Wang Junyu , Wang Meiyu , Zheng Li , Cen Qiuyu , Wang Fangfang , Zhu Li , Pang Rizhao , Zhang Anren 

TITLE=Bifidobacterium: a probiotic for the prevention and treatment of depression

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1174800

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2023.1174800

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Depression is a common psychological disease, which has become one of the main factors affecting human health. It has a serious impact on individuals, families, and society. With the prevalence of COVID-19, the incidence of depression has further increased worldwide. It has been confirmed that probiotics play a role in preventing and treating depression. Especially, <italic>Bifidobacterium</italic> is the most widely used probiotic and has positive effects on the treatment of depression. The mechanisms underlying its antidepressant effects might include anti-inflammation and regulation of tryptophan metabolism, 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis, and the hypothalamus-pituitary–adrenal axis. In this mini-review, the relationship between <italic>Bifidobacterium</italic> and depression was summarized. It is hoped that <italic>Bifidobacterium</italic>-related preparations would play a positive role in the prevention and treatment of depression in the future.</p>