Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Fecal Microbiota Underlying the Coexistence of Schizophrenia and Multiple Sclerosis in Chinese Patients
Li Shao1, Jinlong Fu1, Lulu Xie2
1School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, Hangzhou Normal University, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Both schizophrenia (SZ) and multiple sclerosis (MS) affect millions of people worldwide and impose a great burden on society. Recent studies indicated that MS elevated the risk of SZ and vice versa, whereas the underlying pathological mechanisms are still obscure. Considering that fecal microbiota played a vital role in regulating brain functions, the fecal microbiota and serum cytokines from 90 SZ patients and 71 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched cognitively normal subjects (referred as SZC), 22 MS patients and 33 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched healthy subjects (referred as MSC) were analyzed. We found that both diseases demonstrated similar microbial diversity and shared three differential genera, including the down-regulated Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and the up-regulated Streptococcus. Functional analysis indicated that the three genera were involved in pathways such as "carbohydrate metabolism" and "amino acid metabolism." Moreover, the variation patterns of serum cytokines associated with MS and SZ patients were a bit different. Among the six cytokines perturbed in both diseases, TNF-α increased, while IL-8 and MIP-1α decreased in both diseases. IL-1ra, PDGF-bb, and RANTES were downregulated in MS patients but upregulated in SZ patients. Association analyses showed that Faecalibacterium demonstrated extensive correlations with cytokines in both diseases. Most notably, Faecalibacterium correlated negatively with TNF-α. In other words, fecal microbiota such as Faecalibacterium may contribute to the coexistence of MS and SZ by regulating serum cytokines. Our study revealed the potential roles of fecal microbiota in linking MS and SZ, which paves the way for developing gut microbiota-targeted therapies that can manage two diseases with a single treat.
Insights
Fecal microbiota, specifically lower levels of Faecalibacterium, may link schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis by altering gut bacteria and serum cytokines. This suggests potential gut-targeted therapies for both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiome Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Schizophrenia (SZ) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are prevalent disorders with significant societal impact.
- Existing research suggests a bidirectional relationship between SZ and MS, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- The gut microbiota's role in brain function regulation highlights its potential involvement in these complex diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fecal microbiota and serum cytokine profiles in patients with schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis.
- To identify shared microbial and immunological alterations that may link these two distinct neurological conditions.
- To explore the potential of gut microbiota as a therapeutic target for managing both SZ and MS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fecal microbiota composition and serum cytokine levels in 90 SZ patients, 22 MS patients, and matched control groups.
- Comparative analysis of microbial diversity and differential genera between disease cohorts.
- Correlation analysis between specific microbial genera and serum cytokine levels.
Main Results:
- Both SZ and MS patients exhibited similar microbial diversity and shared three differential genera: down-regulated *Faecalibacterium* and *Roseburia*, and up-regulated *Streptococcus*.
- Distinct patterns of serum cytokine variations were observed, with TNF-α, IL-8, and MIP-1α perturbed in both diseases.
- *Faecalibacterium* showed significant correlations with serum cytokines, notably a negative correlation with TNF-α, suggesting a role in disease interplay.
Conclusions:
- Fecal microbiota alterations, particularly the decrease in *Faecalibacterium*, may contribute to the co-occurrence of schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis.
- The gut microbiota's influence on serum cytokines presents a potential mechanism linking these neurological disorders.
- These findings support the development of gut microbiota-targeted therapies for managing both SZ and MS concurrently.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
01:17Schizophrenia
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia