Increased physical activity improves gut microbiota composition and reduces short-chain fatty acid concentrations in older adults with insomnia

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) can improve functional abilities, well-being, and independence in older adults with insomnia. Studies have shown that PA may be linked to changes in the gut microbiota composition and its metabolites’ concentrations. This association among older adults with insomnia, however, is yet to be determined. We explored the relationships between physical activity (PA) levels, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in this population. Forty-nine community-dwelling adults with insomnia symptoms, aged 65 and older, participated in this study. Their average daily step-count and sleep continuity measures over a two-week period were calculated based on Actigraphic recordings. Each participant provided fecal samples for the microbiome and SCFA analyses, anthropometric measures, and information via questionnaires on medical history and food consumption. The gut microbiota composition and SCFA concentrations were determined by next-generation sequencing and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Participants were divided into two groups (more and less active) according to their median step/day count. We compared the microbiota abundance and SCFA concentrations between groups and performed correlation analysis between gut microbiota abundances and study variables. Different microbiota taxa in each PA group and increased SCFAs in feces of less active individuals were found. Changes in step counts were positively or negatively associated with the relative abundance of 19 ASVs, 3 microorganisms at the family level, and 11 microorganisms at the genus level. Furthermore, significant associations were discovered among physical activity, gut microbiota, SCFAs, and sleep parameters. Our findings provide new insights on the relationship between PA, gut microbiota composition, and primary metabolites in older adults with insomnia.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Intestinal Microbiota with Amino Acids and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Methamphetamine-Induced Mice

“…Pentanoic acid reduces synaptic dysfunction and behavioral deficits due to MA-induced neuroinflammation by inducing IL-10 production [ 75 , 76 ]. Studies have shown that increased physical activity leads to lower SCFA concentrations in older patients with insomnia [ 77 ], and this paper found that hexanoic acid, isovaleric acid, and pentanoic acid all began to decline as well after 2 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, which is consistent with the results of the previous study. However, more studies have shown that higher aerobic capacity corresponds to a higher SFCA production rate [ 78 ].…”

Diet and physical activity influence the composition of gut microbiota, benefit on Alzheimer’s disease

“…Barton et al reported that the gut microbiota diversity, levels of SCFAs, and TMAO of athletes are richer and higher than that of ordinary people with different gut microbiota composition [136], consistent with other studies [137,138]. But Magzal et al indicated that SCFAs level is higher in people with less exercise [139]. Exercise may attenuate LPS-induced memory impairment [140].…”

Characteristics of the gut microbiome in esports players compared with those in physical education students and professional athletes

“…Ruminococcus gnavus is connected to Crohn's disease through its pro-inflammatory product, glucorhamnan polysaccharide ( 61 ), and is associated with metabolic syndrome ( 62 ). By contrast, the microbiome of esports players and students was enriched in beneficial Bacteroides species: B. thetaiotaomicron contributes to an increase in mucus production and strengthening of the epithelial barrier ( 63 ), and has anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the development of Crohn's disease ( 64 ), while B. uniformis is negatively correlated with physical activity in older adults ( 65 ), alleviates obesity in conjunction with an appropriate diet ( 66 ) and enhances endurance exercise performance ( 67 ). To summarize, our findings confirm changes in the relative abundance of different taxa reported in professional rugby players ( 44 ), marathon runners ( 58 ), professional cyclists ( 68 ), and other sports persons ( 69 ), as well as in elderly healthy individuals with a lifelong history of endurance training ( 46 ) and premenopausal women after continuous physical activity ( 12 ).…”