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Scarpina F, Turroni S, Mambrini S, Barone M, Cattaldo S, Mai S, Prina E, Bastoni I, Cappelli S, Castelnuovo G, Brigidi P, Scacchi M, Mauro A. Gut Microbiota and Fear Processing in Women Affected by Obesity: An Exploratory Pilot Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183788. [PMID: 36145169 PMCID: PMC9505791 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota–gut–brain axis extends beyond visceral perception, influencing higher-order brain structures, and ultimately psychological functions, such as fear processing. In this exploratory pilot study, we attempted to provide novel experimental evidence of a relationship between gut microbiota composition and diversity, and fear-processing in obesity, through a behavioral approach. Women affected by obesity were enrolled and profiled for gut microbiota, through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Moreover, we tested their ability to recognize facial fearful expressions through an implicit-facial-emotion-recognition task. Finally, a traditional self-report questionnaire was used to assess their temperamental traits. The participants exhibited an unbalanced gut microbiota profile, along with impaired recognition of fearful expressions. Interestingly, dysbiosis was more severe in those participants with altered behavioral performance, with a decrease in typically health-associated microbes, and an increase in the potential pathobiont, Collinsella. Moreover, Collinsella was related to a lower expression of the persistence temperamental trait, while a higher expression of the harm-avoidance temperament, related to fear-driven anxiety symptoms, was linked to Lactobacillus. Once confirmed, our findings could pave the way for the design of innovative microbiome-based strategies for the treatment of psychological and emotional difficulties by mitigating obesity-related consequences and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Scarpina
- “Rita Levi Montalcini” Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Silvia Turroni
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Sara Mambrini
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Ricerca Metabolica, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Barone
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Microbiomics, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Cattaldo
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Neurobiologia Clinica, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Stefania Mai
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Ricerca Metabolica, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Elisa Prina
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Ricerca Metabolica, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bastoni
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Simone Cappelli
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Brigidi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Microbiomics, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Scacchi
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Divisione di Medicina Generale ad indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- “Rita Levi Montalcini” Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Str. L Cadorna 90, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
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Farooq RK, Alamoudi W, Alhibshi A, Rehman S, Sharma AR, Abdulla FA. Varied Composition and Underlying Mechanisms of Gut Microbiome in Neuroinflammation. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040705. [PMID: 35456757 PMCID: PMC9032006 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiome has been implicated in a host of bodily functions and their regulation, including brain development and cognition. Neuroinflammation is a relatively newer piece of the puzzle and is implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders. The microbiome of the gut may alter the inflammatory signaling inside the brain through the secretion of short-chain fatty acids, controlling the availability of amino acid tryptophan and altering vagal activation. Studies in Korea and elsewhere highlight a strong link between microbiome dynamics and neurocognitive states, including personality. For these reasons, re-establishing microbial flora of the gut looks critical for keeping neuroinflammation from putting the whole system aflame through probiotics and allotransplantation of the fecal microbiome. However, the numerosity of the microbiome remains a challenge. For this purpose, it is suggested that wherever possible, a fecal microbial auto-transplant may prove more effective. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of the microbiome in neuroinflammation and the various mechanism involved in this process. As an example, we have also discussed the autism spectrum disorder and the implication of neuroinflammation and microbiome in its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rai Khalid Farooq
- Department of Neuroscience Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (W.A.); (A.A.); (F.A.A.)
- Correspondence: (R.K.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Widyan Alamoudi
- Department of Neuroscience Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (W.A.); (A.A.); (F.A.A.)
| | - Amani Alhibshi
- Department of Neuroscience Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (W.A.); (A.A.); (F.A.A.)
| | - Suriya Rehman
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (R.K.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si 24252, Gangwon-do, Korea;
| | - Fuad A. Abdulla
- Department of Neuroscience Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (W.A.); (A.A.); (F.A.A.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 2435, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
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Spichak S, Bastiaanssen TFS, Berding K, Vlckova K, Clarke G, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Mining microbes for mental health: Determining the role of microbial metabolic pathways in human brain health and disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:698-761. [PMID: 33675857 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing knowledge regarding the role of the microbiome in modulating the brain and behaviour. Indeed, the actions of microbial metabolites are key for appropriate gut-brain communication in humans. Among these metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan, and bile acid metabolites/pathways show strong preclinical evidence for involvement in various aspects of brain function and behaviour. With the identification of neuroactive gut-brain modules, new predictive tools can be applied to existing datasets. We identified 278 studies relating to the human microbiota-gut-brain axis which included sequencing data. This spanned across psychiatric and neurological disorders with a small number also focused on normal behavioural development. With a consistent bioinformatics pipeline, thirty-five of these datasets were reanalysed from publicly available raw sequencing files and the remainder summarised and collated. Among the reanalysed studies, we uncovered evidence of disease-related alterations in microbial metabolic pathways in Alzheimer's Disease, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression. Amongst studies that could not be reanalysed, many sequencing and technical limitations hindered the discovery of specific biomarkers of microbes or metabolites conserved across studies. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings. We also propose guidelines for future human microbiome analysis to increase reproducibility and consistency within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Spichak
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Thomaz F S Bastiaanssen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kirsten Berding
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Klara Vlckova
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Wang Y, Chen X, Yu Y, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Bai J. Association between Gut Microbiota and Infant's Temperament in the First Year of Life in a Chinese Birth Cohort. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E753. [PMID: 32429579 PMCID: PMC7285300 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Infant temperament characteristics play a critical role in children's developmental pathways and can predict adulthood psychopathology. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota are associated with human temperament in both adults and young children. However, the relationship between the gut microbiota and temperament in 12-month-old infants is rarely studied; this developmental period is when temperament reaches a relatively stable stage. We used high-throughput sequencing methods to explore whether temperament characteristics were associated with gut microbiota diversity and composition. Infants' fecal samples were collected at 12 months of age for the gut microbiota analysis. Based on the primary caregivers' reports, infants' temperaments were measured using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-revised (IBQ-R). This study included 51 infants, including 20 boys and 31 girls, with a mean age of 12.25 months. Results showed that soothability was positively correlated with maternal education level (β = 0.29, p = 0.043, adjust p = 0.025) and the abundance of Bifidobacterium genera (β = 0.62, p = 0.004, adjust p = 0.002). Conversely, cuddliness was negatively correlated with the abundance of Hungatella genera. There was no significant difference in temperament based on gender. This study demonstrated that gut microbiota composition was associated with temperament in 12-month-old infants. These results point to the importance of gut microbiota balance. Future studies on the mechanisms behind the gut microbiota affecting temperament are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (Y.W.); (X.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (Y.W.); (X.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yun Yu
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (Y.W.); (X.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yanqun Liu
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (Y.W.); (X.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (Y.W.); (X.C.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Jinbing Bai
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
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Peter J, Fournier C, Durdevic M, Knoblich L, Keip B, Dejaco C, Trauner M, Moser G. A Microbial Signature of Psychological Distress in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Psychosom Med 2018; 80:698-709. [PMID: 30095672 PMCID: PMC6250280 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with alterations along the brain-gut-microbiota axis. Previous studies have suggested a parallel segregation of microbial features and psychological burden in IBS. This study aimed at exploring the microbial correlates of psychological distress in patients with IBS. METHODS Forty-eight patients with IBS (Rome III criteria, M (SD) age = 42 (15) years, 35 female, 25 diarrhea-dominant, 5 constipation-dominant, and 18 alternating-type IBS) were assessed for psychological and clinical variables with validated questionnaires, fecal samples underwent microbial 16S rRNA analyses (regions V1-2). Microbial analyses comprised examination of alpha and beta diversity, correlational analyses of bacterial abundance and comparisons among subgroups defined by thresholds of psychological and IBS symptom variables, and machine learning to identify bacterial patterns corresponding with psychological distress. RESULTS Thirty-one patients (65%) showed elevated psychological distress, 22 (31%) anxiety, and 10 depression (21%). Microbial beta diversity was significantly associated with distress and depression (q = .036 each, q values are p values false discovery rate-corrected for multiple testing). Depression was negatively associated with Lachnospiraceae abundance (Spearman's ρ = -0.58, q = .018). Patients exceeding thresholds of distress, anxiety, depression, and stress perception showed significantly higher abundances of Proteobacteria (q = .020-.036). Patients with anxiety were characterized by elevated Bacteroidaceae (q = .036). A signature of 148 unclassified species accounting for 3.9% of total bacterial abundance co-varied systematically with the presence of psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Psychological variables significantly segregated gut microbial features, underscoring the role of brain-gut-microbiota interaction in IBS. A microbial signature corresponding with psychological distress was identified. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02536131, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Peter
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Austria (Peter, Fournier, Knoblich, Keip, Dejaco, Trauner, Moser); and Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Austria (Durdevic)
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Mayer EA, Hsiao EY. The Gut and Its Microbiome as Related to Central Nervous System Functioning and Psychological Well-being: Introduction to the Special Issue of Psychosomatic Medicine. Psychosom Med 2017; 79:844-846. [PMID: 28976454 PMCID: PMC5924442 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates bidirectional associations between the brain and the gut microbiome with both top-down and bottom-up processes. This article describes new developments in brain-gut interactions as an introduction to a special issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, based on a joint symposium of the American Psychosomatic Society and the American Gastroenterological Association. Literature review articles indicate that several psychiatric disorders are associated with altered gut microbiota, whereas evidence linking functional gastrointestinal disorders and dysbiosis has not been firmly established. The association between dysbiosis with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus is still inconclusive, but evidence suggests that bariatric surgery may favorably alter the gut microbial community structure. Consistent with the literature linking psychiatric disorders with dysbiosis is that life adversity during childhood and certain temperaments that develop early in life are associated with altered gut microbiota, particularly the Prevotella species. Some studies reported in this issue support the hypothesis that brain-gut interactions are adversely influenced by reduced functional activation of the hippocampus and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. The evidence for the effects of probiotics in the treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis is relatively well established, but effects on mental health and psychophysiological stress reactivity are either inconclusive or still in progress. To conceptualize brain-gut interactions, a holistic, systems-based perspective on health and disease is needed, integrating gut microbial with environmental ecology. More translational research is needed to examine the mental and physical health effects of prebiotics and probiotics, in well-phenotyped human populations with sufficiently large sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeran A Mayer
- From the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, UCLA Microbiome Center (Mayer, Hsiao), Los Angeles, California
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rapidly expanding insights into the human microbiome and health suggest that Western medicine is poised for significant evolution, or perhaps revolution-this while medicine continues on a trajectory from reductionism to a biopsychosocial (BPS) paradigm recognizing biological, psychological, and social influences on health. The apparent sensitivity of the microbiota to perturbations across BPS domains suggests that a broad and inclusive framework is needed to develop applicable knowledge in this emerging area. We outline an ecological framework of the human microbiome by extending the BPS concept to better incorporate environmental and human factors as members of a global, dynamic set of systems that interact over time. METHODS We conducted a selective literature review across disciplines to integrate microbiome research into a BPS framework. RESULTS The microbiome can be understood in terms of ecological systems encompassing BPS domains at four levels: (a) immediate (molecular, genetic, and neural processes), (b) proximal (physiology, emotion, social integration), (c) intermediate (built environments, behaviors, societal practices), and (d) distal (physical environments, attitudes, and broad cultural, economic, and political factors). The microbiota and host are thus understood in terms of their immediate interactions and the more distal physical and social arenas in which they participate. CONCLUSIONS A BPS ecological paradigm encourages replicable, generalizable, and interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary research and practices that take into account the vast influences on the human microbiome that may otherwise be overlooked or understood out of context. It also underscores the importance of sustainable bioenvironmental, psychological, and social systems that broadly support microbial, neural, and general health.
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