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Published on: June 20, 2025
Differences in gut microbiota composition between ischemic stroke patients and healthy individuals
Mohammadreza Movahedi1, Somayeh Ahmadi2, Sama Rahnemayan3
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
BMC Neurology
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to ischemic stroke. Patients showed lower Firmicutes and higher Proteobacteria, suggesting a role in stroke and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a major global health concern, causing significant mortality and disability.
- The gut microbiota-gut-brain axis is increasingly recognized for its role in neurological conditions, including stroke.
- Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial communities, is associated with neuroinflammation and adverse stroke outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the gut microbiota composition between ischemic stroke patients and healthy controls.
- To identify specific bacterial phyla alterations associated with ischemic stroke.
- To explore the potential link between gut dysbiosis and stroke pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 30 ischemic stroke patients and 30 matched healthy controls.
- Fecal sample analysis using real-time PCR to quantify relative abundance of key bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria).
- Statistical analysis using SPSS with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Main Results:
- Ischemic stroke patients displayed significant gut microbiota alterations compared to controls.
- A significant decrease in Firmicutes (p=0.04) and a significant increase in Proteobacteria (p=0.003) were observed in stroke patients.
- The Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio was elevated in stroke patients, indicative of dysbiosis.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis is present in ischemic stroke patients, suggesting a role in stroke development and progression.
- Reduced Firmicutes and increased Proteobacteria may contribute to stroke-related inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Modulating gut microbiota presents a potential therapeutic avenue for improving stroke management and patient recovery.
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