Discovery: intestinal bacteria affect the level of anxiety

Scientists of the University College of Cork have conducted a study in mice. The scientists have found that the level of anxiety depends on brain’s microRNA. The microRNAs are affected by intestinal bacteria. The microRNAs play an important role in the process of gene expression, Zee News reports.

The scientists have grown a group of mice under sterile conditions. As a rule, such rodents suffered from anxiety, had symptoms of depression and communicable disorders. The study has shown that the level 103 of microRNAs in the amygdala and the level 31 of microRNAs in the prefrontal cortex in normal mice and animals that grew in sterile conditions were different.

According to experts, it is believed that microRNAs problems cause mental disorders associated with stress, as well as neurodegenerative diseases and developmental disorders. Apparently, the intestinal bacteria may cause a development of such ailments.

Source: MEDdaily