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Published on: November 8, 2018
Serum metabolome and gut microbiome to analyze potential mechanisms of catamenial epilepsy
Yujie Chen1, Yiting Deng1, Enhui Zhang1
1Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
Background:
Catamenial epilepsy (CE) is marked by an increase in seizure frequency during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Advanced techniques such as serum metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing are being employed to investigate potential mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for managing CE.
Methods:
A total of 30 epilepsy patients (15 with CE and 15 temporal epilepsy) along with 15 healthy controls, were enrolled in this study. Human fecal samples and serum were collected for metabolomics analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing, respectively.
Results:
A total of 117 candidate metabolites and eight gut microbiota specific to CE were identified. Glycerophospholipid pathways were the most enriched among the candidate metabolites. Notably, serum lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) 20:4 was associated with an increased seizure frequency. Additionally, differential gut metabolites were found to affect γ-aminobutyric acid degradation. A network linking sex hormones, metabolites, and gut microorganisms was constructed.
Conclusion:
Findings clarify metabolite-microbiome-brain axis interactions, aiding CE pathogenesis understanding.
