The role of gut microbiota and HPA axis in childhood

The microbiota-host relationship is a complex system of interactions, which has evolved over thousands of years. Colonization of the gastrointestinal tract begins in prenatal period, continues after birth, and can be disrupted by different factors like a mode of delivery, lactation, or antibiotics. Main development of the intestinal microbiota and the central nervous system takes place in the first two or three years of life. The microbiota and the brain can mutually influence their development. For the communication is used the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which includes the neural, endocrine, metabolic and immunological pathways. Exposure to stress, whether in the prenatal period or in the first few years of life, can have a negative impact on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the developing brain, including areas associated with the regulation of the HPA axis - one of the main mechanisms of stress regulation, which includes all interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands. Dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis can affect our response to stress, cognitive function, and emotions. The modified HPA axis response can affect our physical and mental health. It is associated with immune system disorders, behavioural disorders, social integration..