Gut Microbiota-Related Inflammation Factors as a Potential Biomarker for Diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

ObjectiveAlthough many works have been done, the objectively measured diagnostic biomarkers are not available. Thus, we conducted this study to identify potential biomarkers for objectively diagnosing depression and explore the role of gut microbiota in the onset of depression.MethodsMajor depressive disorder (MDD) patients (n=56) and demographic data-matched healthy controls (HCs) (n=56) were included in this study. The gut microbiota in fecal samples and inflammation-related factors in serum were measured. Both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify the differential gut microbiota and inflammation-related factors.ResultsFinally, 46 differential operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (60.9% OTUs belonging to Firmicutes) and ten differential inflammation-related factors were identified. Correlation analysis showed that there were significant correlations between 14 differential OTUs (9 OTUs belonging to Firmicutes and 5 OTUs belonging to family Lachnospiraceae under Firmicutes) and seven differential inflammation-related factors. Meanwhile, 14 differential OTUs (9 OTUs belonging to Firmicutes and 5 OTUs belonging to family Lachnospiraceae under Firmicutes) and five differential inflammation-related factors (adiponectin, apolipoprotein A1, alpha 1-antitrypsin, neutrophilicgranulocyte count/white blood cell count and basophil count) were significantly correlated to depression severity. A panel consisting of these five differential inflammation-related factors could effectively diagnose MDD patients from HCs.ConclusionsOur results suggested that Firmicutes, especially family Lachnospiraceae, might play a role in the onset of depression via affecting the inflammation levels of host, and these five differential inflammation-related factors could be potential biomarkers for objectively diagnosing MDD.

Abnormal Reginal Homogeneity in Left Anterior Cingulum Cortex and Precentral Gyrus as a Potential Neuroimaging Biomarker for First-Episode Major Depressive Disorder

“…The suffering caused by self-mutilation, suicide, and other behaviors of depression patients to patients and their families and the loss to society cannot be ignored ( 1 ). In the past few decades, researchers have sought breakthroughs in the diagnosis of depression, from relying solely on symptomatic diagnosis to the birth of various markers, such as blood biomarkers and molecular genetics biomarkers: BDNF Val66Met, 5-HTTLPR risk gene biomarkers, and gut microbiota ( 2 – 4 ). However, a simple and objectively effective diagnostic marker has not been found.…”

Suppressive Effects of Lactobacillus on Depression through Regulating the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in C57BL/6J Mice Induced by Ampicillin

“…Previous studies showed that gut microbiota composition was significantly altered, particularly in the composition of Firmicutes , Actinobacteria , and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and in mouse models [ 36 ]. In the social defeat stress (SDS) and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice [ 37 , 38 , 39 ] and clinic MDD patients [ 40 , 41 ] all showed that the substantially high correlation between the depression-like behaviors and gut microbiota composition, including from intestine and/or fecal samples. Their studies have shown an increased Firmicutes , Sutterella , Oscillospira , Bacteroidetes , Proteobacteria , Actinobacteria , and Verrucomicrobia abundance in intestines and/or fecal under depression-like behaviors.…”

Elevated plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein and aberrant lipid metabolism predict post-stroke depression

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