Figure 3.

Brain/Gut axis as interaction between microbiota, gut cells, and peripheral and central nervous system in controlling food intake, metabolism, and the cognitive and circulatory systems. Gut microbiota releases chemical mediators and metabolites, such as SCFA and bile acids that stimulate enterochromaffin cells to secrete FGF-19, GABA, monoamines, serotonin and tryptophan. FGF-19 reduces food intake and increases metabolic rate. GABA, monoamines, fibroblast growth factor 19; EEC, enterochromaffin cell; EC, enteric cell; SCFA, short chain fatty acid; Mϕ, macrophage.