From:  Microbiota–mitochondria crosstalk in the gut–brain axis: a missing link in the etiology and treatment of major depressive disorder

 Microbial metabolites and their mitochondrial targets in GBA.

Microbial metabolitePrimary mitochondrial target or pathwayMechanism of actionNeurobiological/Behavioral outcomeKey references
ButyrateHDAC inhibition; AMPK-related mitochondrial signalingSupports mitochondrial biogenesis and redox balance in experimental systemsReduced neuroinflammation and improved behavioral resilience in preclinical models[17, 66, 67]
PropionateSCFA receptor and metabolic signalingCan influence lipid oxidation and cellular energy metabolismPotential support for energy homeostasis and stress adaptation[37, 68]
AcetateEnergy substrate and immune-metabolic signalingSupports cellular respiration and may modulate neuroimmune responsesPotential reduction of neuroinflammation in preclinical settings[37, 68]
Tryptophan metabolites (e.g., kynurenine, serotonin)Kynurenine/NAD+ related signalingLinks microbial metabolism with redox state and serotonergic pathwaysPossible effects on oxidative stress and depressive phenotypes[18, 69]
Bile acids (secondary)FXR/TGR5-related signalingCan influence barrier integrity and metabolic signaling relevant to mitochondrial functionPotential support for neuronal homeostasis; evidence remains indirect[38]
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4); NLRP3 inflammasomePromotes mitochondrial stress, mtROS, and inflammatory cytokine releaseNeuroinflammation and depressive-like behavior in experimental models[73, 77, 78]

The control of mitochondrial biogenesis and energy homeostasis involves AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha). Activation of SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) supports mitochondrial integrity and neuroprotection. LPS-induced TLR4 activity is associated with inflammation-related mitochondrial injury in MDD. SCFAs such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate act as metabolic and epigenetic modulators that may support neural plasticity. SCFA: short-chain fatty acid; NLRP3: nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3; MDD: major depressive disorder.