Melatonin alleviates airway inflammation and anxiety-depression in asthma via gut microbiota-SCFA axis-mediated inhibition of microglial activation
Background: Asthma frequently co-occurs with anxiety and depression, yet the mechanisms underlying this lung-brain comorbidity remain elusive. The gut-lung-brain axis has emerged as a potential key mediator. Methods: Using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthma model, we administered melatonin or sodium butyrate via drinking water. We assessed airway inflammation, lung function, anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, gut microbiota composition,