Publication Name	World Journal of Diabetes
Manuscript ID	118334
Country	China

Category	Endocrinology & Metabolism
Manuscript Type	Opinion Review
Article Title	Gut-brain axis under attack: Links between diabetes, environmental toxicants, and neurodegeneration
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Mostafa M Gouda
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Mostafa M Gouda, PhD, Professor, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang Province, China. mostafa-gouda@zju.edu.cn
Key Words	Gut-brain axis; Diabetes mellitus; Heavy metals; Environmental toxicants; Gut microbiota dysbiosis; Neuroinflammation; Oxidative stress
Core Tip	Emerging evidence shows that when diabetes coincides with environmental metal exposure, it significantly impacts the gut-brain axis. Hyperglycemia and toxicants together lead to gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier breakdown, and increased neuroinflammation. This results in worse cognitive and hippocampal damage than each factor alone. Specific microbiota changes link metabolic toxicity to brain dysfunction, suggesting the need for prevention through reduced exposure and better glycemic control.
Citation	Gouda MM. Gut-brain axis under attack: Links between diabetes, environmental toxicants, and neurodegeneration. World J Diabetes 2026; In press

Received	2025-12-30 01:37
Peer-Review Started	2026-01-04 12:50
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-02-03 08:27
Return for Revision	2026-02-03 08:27
Revised	2026-02-14 10:23
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2026-05-14 02:44
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-05-14 08:05
Articles in Press	2026-05-14 08:05
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-9358 (online)
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Copyright	©Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See Permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
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