Health Citizens – European Research Institute

Tag: Gut-Brain Connection

  • Genetic correlation, pleiotropic loci and shared risk genes between major depressive disorder and gastrointestinal tract disorders

    Genetic correlation, pleiotropic loci and shared risk genes between major depressive disorder and gastrointestinal tract disorders

    Although depression is often linked to digestive disorders, the biological connection behind this phenomenon has remained unclear.

    A recent genome-wide association study analyzed genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people to explore potential links between major depressive disorder (MDD) and gastrointestinal conditions such as peptic ulcers (mainly caused by H. pylori infection), acid reflux, irritable bowel disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

    The researchers found that depression shares genetic risk factors with most digestive disorders, meaning that some of the same genes and genetic regions influence both mental and gut health. The study also suggested that genetic susceptibility to certain gut conditions may increase the risk of depression, once again highlighting the strong gut-brain connection.

    These findings could help scientists better understand the gut-brain connection and may point to new ways to treat gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with depression.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.01.048

    Reference

    Zhou, S., Zi, J., Hu, Y., Wang, X., Cheng, G., & Xiong, J. (2025). Genetic correlation, pleiotropic loci and shared risk genes between major depressive disorder and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Journal of affective disorders, 374, 84–90.

  • Depression among people with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection: A community based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia

    Depression among people with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection: A community based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia

    A 2022 community-based study in southwest Ethiopia explored potential links between Helicobacter pylori infection, dyspepsia, and depression in residents aged 13 years and older.

    Among the 871 participants – most of whom were married, had no formal education, and lived in rural areas – around 11% showed signs of probable depression. The prevalence was slightly higher (13%) among those experiencing at least one symptom of dyspepsia. Interestingly, in this study, H. pylori infection alone was not linked to higher depression rates, nor were age or gender.

    The findings suggest digestive symptoms may increase the risk of depression, highlighting the importance of addressing both mental and gut health when managing gastrointestinal symptoms.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0275424

    Reference

    Soboka, M., Gudina, E. K., Gashaw, M., Amare, H., Berhane, M., Desalegn, H., Tewolde, D., Jebena, M. G., Ali, S., Wieser, A., Froeschl, G., & Tesfaye, M. (2022). Depression among people with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection: A community based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia. PloS one, 17(10), e0275424.