Iimura, S. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2024

Key taxa of the gut microbiome associated with the relationship between environmental sensitivity and inflammation-related biomarkers

BackgroundIndividual differences in environmental sensitivity are linked to stress-related psychiatric symptoms. In previous research, we found that high environmental sensitivity can be a risk factor for increased inflammation and gut permeability, particularly when gut microbiome diversity is low. However, the specific gut bacterial taxa involved in this interaction remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the key gut microbiome taxa associated with this relationship. MethodsEnvironmental sensitivity, gut microbiome composition, gut permeability (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, LBP) and inflammation (C-reactive protein, CRP) biomarkers were evaluated in 88 participants. ResultsThe interaction between environmental sensitivity and the relative abundance of the family Marinifilaceae (genus Butyricimonas) was a predictor of CRP levels. Similarly, the interaction between environmental sensitivity and relative abundance of the family Barnesiellaceae (genus Coprobacter), the family Akkermansiace (genus Akkermansia), the genus Family XIII AD3011 group, the genus GCA-900066225, or the genus Ruminiclostridium 1 predicted LBP levels. Individuals with high environmental sensitivity exhibited elevated CRP or LBP levels when the relative abundance of these taxa was low. Conversely, highly sensitive individuals had lower CRP or LBP levels when the relative abundance of these taxa was high. ConclusionThis study suggests that specific taxa serve as one of the protective factors against inflammation and gut permeability in individuals with high environmental sensitivity.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Interactions between environmental sensitivity and gut microbiota are associated with biomarkers of stress-related psychiatric symptoms

BackgroundHumans vary in their sensitivity to stressful and supportive environments and experiences. Such individual differences in environmental sensitivity are associated with mechanisms of stress-related psychiatric symptoms. In recent years, researchers have focused on bidirectional interactions in the brain-gut-microbiota axis as a neurophysiological pathway contributing to the mechanisms of stress-related psychiatric symptoms, and evidence is rapidly accumulating. MethodsData on environmental sensitivity, gut microbiota, gut permeability (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein; LBP) and inflammation (C-reactive protein; CRP) were collected from 90 adults (50% female; Mage = 42.1; SDage = 10.0). Environmental sensitivity was measured using a self-report questionnaire. Study participants feces were analyzed, and observed operational taxonomic units for richness, Shannons index for evenness, and phylogenetic diversity for biodiversity were evaluated as indicators of gut microbiota. In addition, participants serum was analyzed for CRP and LBP. We investigated whether the interaction between environmental sensitivity and gut microbiota is associated with biomarkers of inflammation and gut permeability. ResultsThe interaction between environmental sensitivity and gut microbiota (excluding the Shannons index) explained the levels of these biomarkers. Individuals with high environmental sensitivity displayed higher levels of CRP and LBP, when the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota was low. However, even highly susceptible individuals had lower levels of CRP and LBP, when the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota was high. ConclusionsOur study indicates that high environmental sensitivity can be a risk factor for inflammation and gut permeability, when the gut microbiota diversity is low, suggesting a brain-gut-microbiota axis interaction.

microbiology↗