Gut microbiota-derived 3-indoleacetic acid confers a protection against sepsis-associated encephalopathy through microglial aryl hydrocarbon receptors.

Background: The gut microbiota significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of central nervous system disorders. Among the bioactive molecules produced by the gut microbiota, 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) has been shown to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. This experiment aimed to determine the impacts of IAA on sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) and the underlying mechanisms.