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Gut microbiota analysis in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis compared to pediatric monophasic demyelinating

Arlette L Bruijstens1, Sandy Molenaar1, Yu Yi M Wong1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

European Journal of Neurology
|October 9, 2022
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant differences in gut microbiota composition between pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and controls. However, body mass index (BMI) was associated with gut microbiota variations in children.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Pediatric neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Gut microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in proinflammatory conditions contributing to multiple sclerosis (MS) etiology.
  • Pediatric-onset MS (OMS) offers a unique window into early disease mechanisms due to minimal confounder exposure.
  • Investigating the gut microbiome in pediatric OMS is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate gut microbiota composition and functional pathways in pediatric-onset MS.
  • To compare gut microbiota between pediatric-onset MS, monophasic acquired demyelinating syndromes (mADS), and healthy controls (HCs).
  • To identify potential microbial biomarkers or alterations associated with early MS development.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and predicted functional pathways (MetaCyc) in pediatric participants (<18 years).
  • Comparison of alpha/beta diversity and individual microbe abundance across pediatric-onset MS, mADS, and HC groups.
  • Statistical testing using nonparametric tests, PERMANOVA, and linear regression to identify significant differences.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in alpha/beta diversity or microbial functional features were observed between pediatric-onset MS, mADS, and HC groups.
  • Body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with gut microbiota variations, including lower alpha diversity and altered beta diversity in obese children.
  • Obesity was linked to a higher abundance of specific microbes and functional pathways, independent of MS status.

Conclusions:

  • The study could not validate previous findings on gut microbiota composition and function in pediatric-onset MS using a sensitive 16S rRNA pipeline.
  • Limitations included sample size and the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in the pediatric MS cohort.
  • Host-related factors, particularly BMI, demonstrated a notable association with gut microbiota variations in the studied pediatric population.
Abstract

Keywords:
etiologygastrointestinal microbiomemicrobiotamultiple sclerosispediatrics

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