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Gut Microbiota is Altered in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Zhen-Qian Zhuang1, Lin-Lin Shen1, Wei-Wei Li1
1Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
Previous studies suggest that gut microbiota is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and depression. However, whether the composition and diversity of gut microbiota is altered in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains largely unknown. In the present study, we collected fecal samples from 43 AD patients and 43 age- and gender-matched cognitively normal controls. 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing technique was used to analyze the microbiota composition in feces. The composition of gut microbiota was different between the two groups. Several bacteria taxa in AD patients were different from those in controls at taxonomic levels, such as Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae, and Selenomonadales. Our findings suggest that gut microbiota is altered in AD patients and may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.
Insights
The gut microbiota composition differs in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). These findings suggest a potential role for gut bacteria in AD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Emerging evidence links gut microbiota to neuropsychiatric conditions like Parkinson's disease and depression.
- The specific alterations in gut microbiota composition and diversity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differences in gut microbiota composition between Alzheimer's disease patients and cognitively normal controls.
- To explore the potential involvement of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 43 AD patients and 43 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.
- 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing was employed to analyze the fecal microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in gut microbiota composition were observed between AD patients and controls.
- Specific bacterial taxa, including Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae, and Selenomonadales, showed altered abundance in AD patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota composition is altered in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
- These alterations suggest that the gut microbiota may play a role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.