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The relation between gut microbiota, brain structure and cognitive function in metabolic syndrome
Wenming Zhao1, Xia Zhou2, Huanhuan Cai1
1Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Research Center of Clinical Medical Imaging, Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Hefei 230032, China.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to brain aging and cognitive decline. Gut bacteria changes, specifically reduced anti-inflammatory microbes, may drive this through altered brain structure, impacting memory and executive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with accelerated brain aging and cognitive decline.
- The microbiota-gut-brain axis is implicated, but mechanisms linking MetS, gut dysbiosis, and cognitive impairment remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between gut microbiome alterations, brain structure changes, and cognitive function in patients with MetS.
- To explore the mediating role of brain structure in the association between gut microbiota and cognitive deficits in MetS.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to assess brain structure and gut microbiome composition in 97 MetS patients and 103 controls.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the Trail-making Test A and auditory verbal learning test.
- Correlation and mediation analyses examined the links between gut bacteria, brain structure, and cognition.
Main Results:
- MetS patients showed impaired executive function and memory, reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, increased inflammation-triggering bacteria, gray matter atrophy, and white matter damage.
- Abnormal brain structure significantly mediated the association between depleted anti-inflammatory bacteria (Clostridium XlVa, Kineothrix, Acetivibrio) and cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbial dysbiosis, particularly a reduction in beneficial anti-inflammatory bacteria, contributes to cognitive dysfunction in MetS via neurobiological pathways involving altered brain structure.
- Targeting the gut microbiota presents a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive impairments associated with MetS.
