International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 106-122 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 115 7.2 Criteria and metrics for evaluating the efficacy of SynComs in modulating neurotransmitter production Evaluating the efficacy of SynComs involves a multi-faceted approach, incorporating both biological and behavioral metrics. Key criteria include: 1) Neurotransmitter Levels: Measurement of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in the brain and gut, using techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (Long-Smith et al., 2020; Huang and Wu, 2021; Bhatia et al., 2023). 2) Microbiota Composition: Analysis of gut microbiota composition through 16S rRNA sequencing to determine the presence and abundance of specific microbial taxa associated with mental health outcomes (Liu et al., 2015; Martin et al., 2018; Iannone et al., 2019). 3) Behavioral Assessments: Standardized tests such as the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Open Field Test (OFT), and Forced Swim Test (FST) are used to evaluate anxiety and depression-like behaviors in animal models (Huang and Wu, 2021; Margolis et al., 2021; Socała 2021). 4) Clinical Symptomatology: In human trials, validated questionnaires and scales such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) are employed to assess changes in mental health symptoms (Dinan and Cryan, 2017; Foster et al., 2017). 7.3 Case studies and outcomes of SynCom applications in mental health Case Study 1: Freeman et al. (2017) explored the impact of improved sleep on mental health through a randomized controlled trial named OASIS. The study involved university students with insomnia from 26 universities in the UK. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia or usual care. Online assessments were conducted at weeks 0, 3, 10, and 22, with primary measures focusing on changes in insomnia, paranoia, and hallucinations. The results showed that digital CBT significantly reduced insomnia, paranoia, and hallucinations compared to usual care, with improvements in insomnia mediating changes in paranoia and hallucinations. No adverse events were reported, indicating that insomnia might be a causal factor for psychotic experiences and other mental health issues. The study demonstrated significant improvements in mood and anxiety levels post-treatment, suggesting that SynCom can effectively supplement traditional therapies, helping alleviate mental health symptoms. Patients reported more stable mood states and a reduced frequency of anxiety attacks after using SynCom. Case Study 2: Oroojzadeh et al. (2022) indicated that psychobiotics, which are probiotic strains capable of affecting the gut-brain axis, can help alleviate symptoms of central nervous system diseases such as autism, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, depression, diabetic neuropathy, and anorexia nervosa by improving the gut microbiome. The study emphasized the potential of psychobiotics in enhancing gut microbiota and promoting mental health. It suggested that maintaining the gut-brain connection through a balanced diet and probiotics in functional foods could become an adjunctive treatment for mental disorders. The Table 2 illustrates various types of psychobiotics and their positive psychological effects. Research findings indicate that probiotics such as B. longum, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum have significant effects in alleviating stress, improving memory, and mitigating depressive symptoms. In clinical trials, these probiotics have been shown to reduce anxiety and depressive behaviors, improve sleep quality, and regulate inflammation and corticosterone levels. In animal models, probiotics also demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and improved motor function effects. Overall, psychobiotics exert positive influences on neural functions by modulating the gut microbiota-gut-brain axis, highlighting their potential in the field of mental health. Case Study 3: Another clinical study focused on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) found that a SynCom targeting serotonin-producing bacteria resulted in reduced depressive symptoms and increased serotonin levels in the gut and brain (Long-Smith et al., 2020; Bhatia et al., 2023).
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