Title of presented paper: The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis -- Role in the Pathomechanism and Pharmacotherapy of Depressive Disorders.

Introduction and aim. Depressive disorders are a serious mental disorder, the incidence of which is constantly increasing, and thus the socio-economic cost of the disease. Research conducted since the 1960s on depression has not provided either comprehensive information on the mechanisms of the disease or provided highly effective and safe antidepressants. Recent evidence links the dysfunction of the bidirectional communication pathway between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system (known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis) to depressive disorders. Alterations in the composition and function of the intestinal microflora are observed in patients with depression. The aim of this study is to review the current knowledge on the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the pathomechanism of depressive disorders and to discuss potential therapeutic implications. We will explore the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and other nutritional interventions, as well as the development of psychobiotics and other novel pharmacological agents targeting the gut microbiota, for the treatment of depressive disorders. Material and methods. Literature search: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The search was conducted using keywords such as "microbiota-gut-brain axis", "depressive disorders", "probiotics", "prebiotics", "psychobiotics" and "pharmacological agents targeting the gut microbiota". Study selection: Studies were included in this review if they investigated the association between the microbiota- gut-brain axis and depressive disorders. Only articles published in English and peer-reviewed were included. Data extraction: Data were extracted from the included studies, including study design, sample size, age range of participants, diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders, methods for assessing gut microbiota, and results. Analysis of literature. The results of the studies were analyzed and synthesized to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the pathomechanism of depressive disorders. Results. The findings of the studies were discussed in the context of potential therapeutic implications. The use of probiotics, prebiotics, and other nutritional interventions, as well as the development of psychobiotics and other novel pharmacological agents targeting the gut microbiota, were explored for the treatment of depressive disorders Conclusion. The war negatively changed lifestyle of Ukrainian student via forced relocation and disability to continue education in universities. Among students were detected severe and extremely severe depression, low level of QL due to changes in mental health during war in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]