Home-based exercise training influences gut bacterial levels in multiple sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Neurology
• Exercise physiology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to gut microbiome dysbiosis.
• Investigating the impact of interventions like exercise on the MS gut microbiome is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of a 6-month home-based exercise program on gut microbiota composition in individuals with MS.
• To assess the association between exercise-induced changes in gut bacteria and inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine levels.
• To evaluate the impact of exercise on psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month home-based exercise intervention (5 sessions/week) was conducted with 42 MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale <5).
• Gut microbiota (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila, Prevotella, Bacteroides), cytokine levels (IL-10, TNF-α), and psychosocial factors were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
• Control group received no intervention.

Main Results:

• Exercise significantly increased Prevotella and decreased Akkermansia muciniphila (p < 0.05).
• No significant changes were observed in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides, or circulating cytokine levels (IL-10, TNF-α).
• Significant improvements in anxiety and depression were noted, while fatigue levels remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• Home-based exercise modulates specific gut bacteria (Prevotella, Akkermansia) in MS patients, potentially impacting disease pathology.
• Observed improvements in anxiety and depression suggest exercise benefits beyond direct cytokine modulation.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying exercise's effects on MS, potentially involving pathways other than IL-10 and TNF-α.