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The gut microbiome is associated with brain structure and function in schizophrenia.
Shijia Li1,2,3, Jie Song1,2,3, Pengfei Ke1,2,3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
Scientific Reports
|May 8, 2021
Summary
Gut microbiome alterations are linked to brain changes in schizophrenia. Lower Ruminococcus and Roseburia, higher Veillonella, and altered brain structure suggest a gut-brain axis role in this mental disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The gut microbiome's influence on the central nervous system and mental disorders is gaining attention.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the gut microbiome's relationship with brain structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in fecal microbiota between schizophrenia patients and controls.
- To explore associations between gut microbiota composition and brain structure/function in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA sequencing for fecal microbiota analysis.
- Structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) for brain imaging.
- Comparison of microbiota and brain metrics between 38 schizophrenia patients and 38 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients showed lower Ruminococcus and Roseburia, and higher Veillonella abundance.
- Significant differences in gray matter volume (GMV), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and low-frequency fluctuations were observed in SZ patients.
- Gut microbiota alpha diversity correlated with GMV and ReHo. Roseburia abundance negatively correlated with ReHo in specific brain regions (STC, cuneus, MTC).
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiome alterations are associated with structural and functional brain changes in schizophrenia.
- Findings suggest a role for the gut-brain axis in the neuropathology of schizophrenia.
- This study offers insights into the biological underpinnings of schizophrenia.
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