A genetic association study reveals the relationship between the oral microbiome and anxiety and depression symptoms

Association between gut microbiota and anxiety disorders: a bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

There are many articles reporting that the component of intestinal microbiota implies a link to anxiety disorders (AD), and the brain-gut axis is also a hot topic in current research. However, the specific relevance between gut microbiota and AD is uncertain. We aimed to investigate causal relationship between gut microbiota and AD by using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

Genetic instrumental variable (IV) for the gut microbiota were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 18,340 participants. Summary data for AD were derived from the GWAS and included 158,565 cases and 300,995 controls. We applied the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the main analysis. Cochran's Q values was computed to evaluate the heterogeneity among IVs. Sensitivity analyses including intercept of MR-Egger method and MR-PRESSO analysis were used to test the horizontal pleiotropy.

RESULT

We discovered 9 potential connections between bacterial traits on genus level and AD. Utilizing the IVW method, we identified 5 bacterial genera that exhibited a direct correlation with the risk of AD: genus Eubacteriumbrachygroup, genus Coprococcus3, genus Enterorhabdus, genus Oxalobacter, genus Ruminiclostridium6. Additionally, we found 4 bacterial genera that exhibited a negative association with AD: genus Blautia, genus Butyricicoccus, genus Erysipelotrichaceae-UCG003 and genus Parasutterella. The associations were confirmed by the sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Our study found a causal relation between parts of the gut microbiota and AD. Further randomized controlled trials are crucial to elucidate the positive effects of probiotics on AD and their particular protection systems.

A Holistic Approach for Ethics and Sustainability in the Food Chain: The Gateway to Oral and Systemic Health

Food production is a complex matter, affecting people's lives, organizations' profits, and the well-being of the whole planet, and has multifaceted ethical considerations surrounding its production, distribution, and consumption. This paper addresses the pressing need to confront ethical challenges within the food system, encompassing issues such as environmental sustainability, food security, and individual food choices for better oral and systemic health of all individuals around the globe. From agricultural practices to global trade and food waste, ethical implications are addressed across various domains, highlighting the interconnectedness of ethical decision-making in the food industry. Central themes explored include the ethical dimensions of food production methods, the impact of global trade on food ethics, and the role of individuals in making ethically informed food choices. Additionally, this paper considers the spiritual and physical significance of food, particularly through the lens of oral health as a gateway to holistic well-being. Recognizing the complexity of the food and mouth ecosystem, this paper calls for serious interventions in legislation and economics to promote ethical protocols and techniques for sustainability reasons. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in food safety management systems, regulatory frameworks, and quality standards. Moreover, this paper underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to address ethical dilemmas and moral values inherent in the food industry and oral health policies, adopting the precautionary principle and ethical decision-making frameworks. This article finally aims to serve as a call to action for stakeholders across the food industry and the healthcare sector, to prioritize ethical practices, promote transparency, rearrange economic parameters, and work towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for inner and outer oral and systemic health and human sustainability for all.

Association between oral microbiome and five types of respiratory infections: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study in east Asian population

Objective

To explore the causal relationship between the oral microbiome and specific respiratory infections including tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, assessing the impact of genetic variations associated with the oral microbiome.

Methods

Mendelian randomization was used to analyze genetic variations, leveraging data from genome-wide association studies in an East Asian cohort to identify connections between specific oral microbiota and respiratory infections.

Results

Our analysis revealed that Prevotella, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Pauljensenia, and Capnocytophaga play crucial roles in influencing respiratory infections. Prevotella is associated with both promoting bronchitis and inhibiting pneumonia and tonsillitis, with a mixed effect on chronic sinusitis. Streptococcus and Fusobacterium show varied impacts on respiratory diseases, with Fusobacterium promoting chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and bronchitis. Conversely, Pauljensenia and Capnocytophaga are linked to reduced bronchitis and tonsillitis, and inhibited pneumonia and bronchitis, respectively.

Discussion

These findings underscore the significant impact of the oral microbiome on respiratory health, suggesting potential strategies for disease prevention and management through microbiome targeting. The study highlights the complexity of microbial influences on respiratory infections and the importance of further research to elucidate these relationships.

Probable Non-Ventilator-Associated Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia is a preventable health care-associated infection accounting for 1 in 14 hospital deaths. Clinical factors influencing this condition include oral health and bacteria and oral care. This case report addresses diagnostics and clinical variables related to non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia and emphasizes the importance of prevention.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

A 90-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath and generalized weakness from new-onset atrial fibrillation and suspected heart failure exacerbation. During the hospitalization, her oral health status declined and oral bacterial colonization shifted, with Neisseria becoming the most common oral bacterial genus around the time of development of probable non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient had new respiratory symptoms and a chest radiograph positive for pneumonia on day 4 and was subsequently diagnosed with probable non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia.

INTERVENTIONS

Intravenous antibiotic treatment was initiated. Oral care was completed on only 2 of 7 days. The patient received limited ambulation assistance and encouragement from staff and family members. No dysphagia screening was documented.

OUTCOMES

On day 6, the patient was discharged with oral antibiotics to her independent living facility with home health care.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent oral care, early and frequent physical activity, and measures aimed to reduce aspiration risk are key interventions for all hospitalized patients to prevent non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia. Further research is warranted to assess shifts in oral bacteria and general oral health during hospitalization, which could provide clinically meaningful data on risk for non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia.

The oral microbial odyssey influencing chronic metabolic disease

INTRODUCTION

Since the oral cavity is the gateway to the gut, oral microbes likely hold the potential to influence metabolic disease by affecting the gut microbiota.

METHOD

A thorough review of literature has been performed to link the alterations in oral microbiota with chronic metabolic disease by influencing the gut microbiota.

RESULT

A strong correlation exists between abnormalities in oral microbiota and several systemic disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, which likely initially manifest as oral diseases. Ensuring adequate oral hygiene practices and cultivating diverse oral microflora are crucial for the preservation of general well-being. Oral bacteria have the ability to establish and endure in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the development of prolonged inflammation and activation of the immune system. Oral microbe-associated prophylactic strategies could be beneficial in mitigating metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSION

Oral microbiota can have a profound impact on the gut microbiota and influence the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases.