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Updated: Jul 13, 2025
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Gut Microbiome in the Israeli Diverse Populations: Associations with Ethnicity, Gender,
Zehavit Nitzan1, Elsebeth Staun-Ram1,2, Anat Volkowich2
1Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel.
Abstract:
Microbiome dysbiosis is increasingly being recognized as implicated in immune-mediated disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS). The microbiome is modulated by genetic and environmental factors including lifestyle, diet, and drug intake. This study aimed to characterize the MS-associated gut microbiome in the Israeli populations and to identify associations with demographic, dietary, and clinical features. The microbiota from 57 treatment-naive patients with MS (PwMS) and 43 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) was sequenced and abundance compared. Associations between differential microbes with demographic or clinical characteristics, as well as diet and nutrient intake, were assessed. While there was no difference in α- or β-diversity of the microbiome, we identified 40 microbes from different taxonomic levels that differ in abundance between PwMS and HCs, including Barnesiella, Collinsella, Egerthella, Mitsuokella, Olsenella Romboutsia, and Succinivibrio, all enhanced in PwMS, while several members of Lacnospira were reduced. Additional MS-differential microbes specific to ethnicity were identified. Several MS-specific microbial patterns were associated with gender, vitamin D level, Mediterranean diet, nutrient intake, or disability status. Thus, PwMS have altered microbiota composition, with distinctive patterns related to geographic locations and population. Microbiome dysbiosis seem to be implicated in disease progression, gender-related differences, and vitamin D-mediated immunological effects recognized in MS. Dietary interventions may be beneficial in restoring a "healthy microbiota" as part of applying comprehensive personalized therapeutic strategies for PwMS.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients show altered gut microbiome composition, with specific microbes differing in abundance compared to healthy individuals. These microbial patterns link to diet, vitamin D, and disability, suggesting potential therapeutic dietary interventions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Microbiome dysbiosis is linked to immune-mediated disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Gut microbiota composition is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, diet, and medications.
- Understanding MS-associated gut microbiome alterations is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the gut microbiome in Israeli patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
- To identify associations between gut microbes and demographic, dietary, and clinical factors in PwMS.
- To explore potential links between microbiome dysbiosis and MS progression.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing and comparative abundance analysis of gut microbiota from 57 treatment-naive PwMS and 43 healthy controls (HCs).
- Assessment of associations between differential microbes and demographic, clinical, dietary, and nutrient intake data.
- Identification of MS-specific microbial patterns related to ethnicity, gender, and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in overall microbiome diversity (α- or β-diversity) were observed between PwMS and HCs.
- Forty specific microbes showed altered abundance in PwMS, with genera like Barnesiella and Collinsella increased, and Lacnospira decreased.
- MS-specific microbial patterns correlated with gender, vitamin D levels, Mediterranean diet adherence, nutrient intake, and disability status.
Conclusions:
- PwMS exhibit distinct gut microbiota compositions, varying by geographic location and population.
- Microbiome dysbiosis in MS is associated with disease progression, gender-specific differences, and vitamin D-related immune effects.
- Dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiome may offer personalized therapeutic strategies for MS management.
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