Molecular study of the association between gut microbiome and major depressive disorder

Subject Areas : Experimental physiology and pathology

fateme arbabi ¹ , Reza Shapouri ² , فخری حقی ³ , habib Zeighami ⁴ , Reza Pirzeh ⁵

1 -
2 - Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
3 - Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
4 - Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
5 - Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran

Received: 2024-04-25 Accepted : 2024-10-05 Published : 2024-11-14

Keywords: Microbiome, major depression, Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Actinobacteria,

Abstract :

Background & Aim:  Depression is a multifaceted mental health disorder with a complex etiology and a heavy burden on the world. Recent studies have implicated the gut microbiota as a contributing factor in the pathophysiology of depression and have highlighted the possible role of specific bacterial species in influencing mood and cognitive function.

Materials & Methods: In this study, we investigated the presence, number of copies, and Ct values ​​of selected bacterial species in stool samples from depressed patients (n=50) and healthy subjects (n=50). Our findings revealed significant differences in the abundance of Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria between the two groups.

Results: Dysregulation of the gut microbiota, characterized by a decrease in the presence of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and changes in the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacterium, may contribute to the development or exacerbation of depression.

Conclusion: These findings support the emerging concept of the gut-brain axis and its role in mental health. However, further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to explore the therapeutic potential of targeted microbiota interventions for depression. Understanding the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and depression could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and personalized approaches to mental health care.

References:



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