Oral Microbiota Associated With Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia: Composition and PICRUSt2-Predicted Functional...

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is a key feature of schizophrenia (SZ).
• Gut microbiota alterations are linked to cognitive issues in SZ.
• Oral microbiota changes and their role in SZ cognition are under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between oral microbiota and cognitive impairment in SZ patients.
• To explore potential mediating roles of neuroinflammation and microbial functions.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 68 SZ patients and 32 healthy controls (HC).
• Assessed cognitive function using Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition.
• Analyzed oral microbiota via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and predicted functions using PICRUSt2.
• Measured neuroinflammation using kynurenine (KYN) pathway activity.

Main Results:

• SZ patients had lower oral microbiota alpha diversity and greater cognitive impairment than HC.
• Oral microbiota alterations were significantly associated with cognitive impairment in SZ.
• Predicted microbial functions, like glycan biosynthesis, were implicated, while KYN pathway markers were not significantly associated.

Conclusions:

• Oral microbiota diversity is associated with cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.
• Predicted microbial functions may play a role in the oral microbiota-cognition link in SZ.