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Gut microbes in correlation with mood: case study in a closed experimental human life support system
L Li1,2,3, Q Su1,2,3, B Xie1,2,3
1School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|March 31, 2016
Summary
The gut microbiome influences mood in healthy adults. Specific gut bacteria like Faecalibacterium correlate with negative mood states, highlighting the gut-brain connection for mental health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Neuroscience
- Human health
Background:
- The gut microbiome plays a role in mood regulation.
- Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial for mental health maintenance and illness prevention.
- Dietary interventions can modulate the gut ecosystem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between gut microbial community structure and mood states in healthy adults.
- To identify specific bacterial genera associated with mood fluctuations.
Main Methods:
- A 105-day case study was conducted in a closed human life support system.
- Gut microbial community structures were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing.
- Mood states were assessed using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire.
- Partial least squares discrimination analysis was employed to identify correlations.
Main Results:
- Gut microbial community structures were strongly correlated with mood states in healthy adults.
- Bacterial genera such as Roseburia, Phascolarctobacterium, Lachnospira, and Prevotella showed potential positive correlations with positive mood.
- Genera including Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Anaerostipes were correlated with negative mood.
- Faecalibacterium spp., the most abundant bacteria, exhibited a significant negative correlation with mood.
Conclusions:
- The composition of the gut microbial community can influence emotional changes in mentally and physically healthy adults.
- This study underscores the importance of the gut-brain axis in maintaining emotional well-being.
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