Is There a Gut-Brain-Skin Axis?

January 2010 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Petra Arck, Bori Handjiski, Evelin Hagen, Maike Pincus, Christian A. Bruenahl, John Bienenstock, Ralf Paus

gut-brain-skin axis microbiome Lactobacillus probiotics neurogenic skin inflammation hair growth inhibition hair follicle cycling skin health inflammation stress responses

TLDR Probiotics may help reduce stress-related skin issues and improve hair growth.

The paper introduced the hypothesis of a "gut–brain–skin axis," suggesting that communication between these organs could be influenced by the microbiome. The study showed that in mice, ingestion of a Lactobacillus strain reduced stress-induced neurogenic skin inflammation and hair growth inhibition. This proposed model indicated that probiotics might significantly mitigate stress-related skin inflammation and impact hair follicle cycling, suggesting that specific bacteria could have beneficial effects on skin health, inflammation, hair growth, and stress responses.

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Research cited in this study

5 / 5 results

Neuronal Plasticity of the Brain-Skin Connection: Stress-Triggered Up-Regulation of Neuropeptides in Dorsal Root Ganglia and Skin via Nerve Growth Factor-Dependent Pathways

research Neuronal Plasticity of the Brain-Skin Connection: Stress-Triggered Up-Regulation of Neuropeptides in Dorsal Root Ganglia and Skin via Nerve Growth Factor-Dependent Pathways

66 citations , July 2007 in “Journal of Molecular Medicine”

Stress increases certain chemicals in the skin and nerves, which might worsen skin conditions.

research Neuroimmunology of Stress: Skin Takes Center Stage

375 citations , July 2006 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Stress can worsen skin and hair conditions by affecting the skin's immune response and hormone levels.

research Neuroimmunoendocrine Circuitry of the Brain-Skin Connection

293 citations , November 2005 in “Trends in Immunology”

Stress can worsen skin conditions and stop hair growth by affecting the body's stress response system.

research Neurogenic Inflammation in Stress-Induced Termination of Murine Hair Growth Is Promoted by Nerve Growth Factor

108 citations , July 2004 in “American Journal of Pathology”

Stress increases a factor in mice that leads to hair loss, and blocking this factor may prevent it.

Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

research Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

194 citations , March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology”

Stress stops hair growth in mice by causing early hair growth phase end and harmful inflammation through a specific nerve-related pathway.

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Is There a Gut-Brain-Skin Axis?

Research cited in this study

research Neuronal Plasticity of the Brain-Skin Connection: Stress-Triggered Up-Regulation of Neuropeptides in Dorsal Root Ganglia and Skin via Nerve Growth Factor-Dependent Pathways

research Neuroimmunology of Stress: Skin Takes Center Stage

research Neuroimmunoendocrine Circuitry of the Brain-Skin Connection

research Neurogenic Inflammation in Stress-Induced Termination of Murine Hair Growth Is Promoted by Nerve Growth Factor

research Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

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