Integrating the Gut Microbiome and Stress-Diathesis to Explore Post-Trauma Recovery: An Updated Model

Area of Science:

• Integrative biology
• Microbiome research
• Musculoskeletal health

Background:

• Musculoskeletal conditions pose a significant health challenge.
• Despite advances, delayed or absent recovery mechanisms remain unclear.
• The gut microbiome's role in recovery is under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand the integrated stress-diathesis model by including the gut microbiome.
• To elucidate the pathogenesis of poor recovery from musculoskeletal conditions.
• To identify potential targets for preventing chronic pain.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual expansion of the integrated stress-diathesis model.
• Integration of gut microbiome data with existing knowledge of sequelae post-injury or stress.
• Review and synthesis of current literature on neurobiology, microbiology, and pathophysiology.

Main Results:

• The gut microbiome may significantly influence recovery from musculoskeletal conditions.
• Linking the microbiome to adverse neurobiologic and pathophysiologic responses offers new insights.
• This integrated approach highlights pathways contributing to delayed healing.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome is a critical factor in musculoskeletal condition recovery.
• Understanding these connections can improve knowledge of poor recovery pathogenesis.
• This framework may guide the development of novel interventions to prevent chronic pain transition.