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Published on: June 13, 2011
Altered gut microbiota in individuals with episodic and chronic migraine
Dongeun Yong1, Hakbae Lee2, Hyung-Gyu Min2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Emerging evidence reveals a close association between gut microbiota and human neurological disorders. The present study aimed to assess whether the composition of gut microbiota in participants with episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) was altered in comparison to that of the controls. This study was a cross-sectional, case-control study. The gut microbiota were evaluated by the partial, targeted sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region. This study enrolled 42 and 45 participants with EM and CM, respectively, and 43 controls. Alpha and beta diversities revealed no significant difference among the three groups; however, the microbiota composition at the class, order, family, and genus levels differed significantly between EM and the control, CM and the control, and the EM and CM groups. Moreover, higher composition of PAC000195_g was significantly associated with a lower headache frequency among the five genera that exhibited significantly different microbiota composition in EM and CM. Agathobacter revealed a significant negative association with severe headache intensity. The findings of the present study provide evidence of altered gut microbiota in EM and CM. These findings will help in understanding the course and treatment of migraine.
Insights
Migraine patients show altered gut microbiota composition compared to healthy individuals. Specific bacterial genera were linked to headache frequency and intensity, suggesting a role for the gut microbiome in migraine.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gut microbiota is increasingly linked to neurological disorders.
- Understanding the gut microbiome's role in migraine is crucial for developing new treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in gut microbiota composition between episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) patients and healthy controls.
- To identify specific microbial taxa associated with migraine characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, case-control study design.
- 16S rRNA V3-V4 region sequencing to analyze gut microbiota composition.
- Enrollment of 42 EM, 45 CM, and 43 control participants.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed among the groups.
- Significant differences in microbiota composition at class, order, family, and genus levels were found between migraineurs and controls, and between EM and CM groups.
- Higher abundance of PAC000195_g was associated with lower headache frequency in EM and CM.
- Agathobacter abundance showed a negative association with headache intensity.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota composition is altered in individuals with episodic and chronic migraine.
- Specific bacterial genera may influence migraine frequency and severity.
- These findings contribute to understanding the gut-brain axis in migraine pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.
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