Hormones · Melatonin

Lactobacillus reuteri E9 regulates sleep disorders by upregulating inhibitory neurotransmitters and sleep-related receptor expression via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

In a PTZ-induced zebrafish model of sleep disorder, Lactobacillus reuteri E9 significantly upregulated inhibitory neurotransmitters including GABA, taurine, glycine, and serine (p < 0.05). It also reduced seizures and hyperactivity, and upregulated GABA receptor genes and melatonin receptor (Mtnr1aa) genes in neural tissue, suggesting a psychobiotic mechanism for sleep regulation.

1 min readUpdated Aug 25, 20260 RCTsView structured evidence →
Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★
Confidencelow

This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.

Lactobacillus reuteri E9 regulates sleep disorders by upregulating inhibitory neurotransmitters and sleep-related receptor expression via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 24/100 (low).

The Claim

Lactobacillus reuteri E9 regulates sleep disorders by upregulating inhibitory neurotransmitters and sleep-related receptor expression via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

This conclusion is most relevant to: Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced zebrafish model of sleep disorder.

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

  • Lactobacillus reuteri E9 Regulates Sleep Disorders Through Its Metabolite GABA. (Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 2025) —

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

  • Lactobacillus reuteri E9 is administered to PTZ-induced zebrafish
  • E9 upregulates inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA, taurine, glycine, serine)
  • E9 upregulates GABA receptor and melatonin receptor (Mtnr1aa) gene expression in neural tissue
  • Result: Reduced seizures and hyperactivity, sedative effects, potential sleep regulation via MGBA

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced zebrafish model of sleep disorder

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • Animal model (zebrafish) may not fully translate to human sleep disorders
  • Abstract does not report sample size or effect sizes, limiting quantitative assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main mechanism by which Lactobacillus reuteri E9 affects sleep?

It modulates the microbiota-gut-brain axis by upregulating inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA and increasing expression of GABA and melatonin receptors.

Was this study conducted in humans?

No, the study used a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced zebrafish model of sleep disorder.

What neurotransmitters were affected by Lactobacillus reuteri E9?

GABA, taurine, glycine, and serine were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05).

Is Lactobacillus reuteri E9 considered a psychobiotic?

Yes, the paper describes it as a psychobiotic with potential for sleep disorder management via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

References

  1. 1.Jiang Y, Guo L, He H, Chen H, Chen T, Liu Y, Zhao W. “Lactobacillus reuteri E9 Regulates Sleep Disorders Through Its Metabolite GABA..” Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 2025. PMID: 40613302 DOI: 10.31083/FBL39587
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.