Research progress of intestinal microbiota on cognitive dysfunction after spinal cord injury.

Alterations in the gut microbiota are among the most common phenomena following spinal cord injury, often accompanied by cognitive impairment. Numerous studies have reported intrinsic links among these three aspects. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influence cognitive function after spinal cord injury, as well as strategies for modulating the gut microbiota to treat cognitive deficits, remain inadequately summarized. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the key mechanisms by which gut dysbiosis contributes to cognitive impairment and discusses therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota. These insights may offer a theoretical basis for further research and microbiota-based drug development for cognitive dysfunction following spinal cord injury.