Correlation between gut microbiota and metabolomics under intermittent hypoxic conditions

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Metabolomics
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder.
• The gut microbiome's role in OSA pathogenesis is increasingly recognized.
• Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a hallmark of OSA, potentially influencing gut health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gut microbiota and metabolite profiles in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
• To assess the potential of these profiles as biomarkers for OSA diagnosis and severity.
• To explore correlations between gut alterations and clinical indicators under chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH).

Main Methods:

• Utilized 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics in OSA and CIH mouse models.
• Analyzed gut microorganism composition and function.
• Evaluated associations between clinical indicators, OSA severity, and gut flora/metabolites.

Main Results:

• OSA and CIH groups exhibited altered gut microbiota, with increased Firmicutes and Tenotrophomonas, and decreased Bacteroidota and Ligilactobacillus.
• Elevated levels of Nervonic acid and Erucic acid, with decreased Arachidonic acid, were observed in OSA and CIH groups.
• Significant correlations were found between specific bacteria (e.g., Coprobacillus, Bacteroidota, Lactococcus) and clinical indicators (e.g., lymphocytes, eosinophilia, neutrophils, AHI).

Conclusions:

• Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) induces significant gut microbial and metabolite dysbiosis.
• These gut alterations correlate with OSA clinical indicators and disease severity.
• Gut microbiota and metabolites show promise as novel biomarkers for OSA diagnosis and assessment.