Peng Y, Xie MY, Gan L, Zhang JQ. Targeting probiotic modulation of gut microbiota for postoperative depression management in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; 17(7): 107259 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i7.107259]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Jia-Qi Zhang, Associate Professor, MD, PhD, Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang 441000, Hubei Province, China. 347235272@qq.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Letter to the Editor
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastrointest Surg. Jul 27, 2025; 17(7): 107259 Published online Jul 27, 2025. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i7.107259
Targeting probiotic modulation of gut microbiota for postoperative depression management in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery
Yao Peng, Man-Ying Xie, Ling Gan, Jia-Qi Zhang
Yao Peng, Ling Gan, Jia-Qi Zhang, Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Postgraduate Union Training Base of Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Xiangyang 441000, Hubei Province, China
Yao Peng, Ling Gan, Jia-Qi Zhang, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Xiangyang 441100, Hubei Province, China
Man-Ying Xie, Department of Ultrasound, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, Hubei Province, China
Co-first authors: Yao Peng and Man-Ying Xie.
Co-corresponding authors: Ling Gan and Jia-Qi Zhang.
Author contributions: Zhang JQ contributed to the writing, editing of the manuscript and table; Peng Y contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; Xie MY contributed to the literature search; Gan L designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Jia-Qi Zhang, Associate Professor, MD, PhD, Department of Ultrasound Imaging, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang 441000, Hubei Province, China. 347235272@qq.com
Received: March 19, 2025 Revised: April 3, 2025 Accepted: May 20, 2025 Published online: July 27, 2025 Processing time: 126 Days and 18.8 Hours
Abstract
Postoperative depression is a prevalent yet often overlooked complication following radical surgery for gastric cancer that significantly affects patient recovery and quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota has a crucial role in the gut-brain axis, influencing mood regulation and psychological resilience. In the study by Lu et al, Bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria combined with mirtazapine demonstrated marked efficacy: The observation group showed a 32% reduction in Self-Rating Depression Scale depression scores, significantly outperforming the control group. Neuroendocrine improvements included a 89% increase in dopamine and a 43% reduction in cortisol. Gut microbiota modulation was evident with Bifidobacterium colony counts rising by 22%, while Escherichia coli decreased by 28%. Quality of life scores improved by 39%, underscoring the therapy’s holistic benefits. These findings validate the synergistic potential of microbiota-targeted probiotics and psychotropic drugs. Early screening, multidisciplinary care, and personalized strategies integrating psychological support, dietary optimization, and lifestyle modifications are essential to enhance recovery and redefine postoperative management in gastric cancer patients.
Core Tip: Post-gastric cancer surgery, depression critically impacts recovery. Combining Bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria with mirtazapine reduced Self-Rating Depression Scale depression scores by 32%, improved neuroendocrine markers, and modulated gut microbiota. Integrating these interventions with psychological support and lifestyle changes optimizes patient adaptation and long-term well-being.
