Altered Composition of Gut Microbiota in Depression: A Systematic Review.

Zahra Amirkhanzadeh Barandouzi, Angela R Starkweather, Wendy A Henderson, Adwoa Gyamfi, Xiaomei S Cong

Journal: Frontiers in psychiatry 2020;11():541

PMID: 32587537

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Plain Language Summary

The brain-gut microbiome axis has emerged to be a link between gut microbiota pattern and depression, however the mechanism by which gut microbiota modulate depression-like behaviors remains inconclusive. While studies have observed differences in the diversity and abundance of different bacteria taxa, no definitive classifications have been confirmed. The aim of this systematic review was to identify gut microbiota patterns in people with depression compared with healthy controls. According to the nine articles included in this review, conflicting results were found on characteristics of gut microbiota in people with depression compared to healthy controls. Based on these findings, the authors conclude the role of the microbiota in the development or maintenance of depression remains limited, suggesting the likelihood of confounding factors. Further research is recommended to better understand the relationship between gut microbiota pattern and treatment outcomes for people with depression.

Abstract

Cumulative evidence shows a linkage between gut microbiota pattern and depression through the brain-gut microbiome axis. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the alterations of the gut microbiota patterns in people with depression compared to healthy controls. A comprehensive literature search of human studies, published between January 2000 and June 2019, was reviewed. The key words included gastrointestinal microbiome, gut microbiome, microbiota, depression, depressive symptoms, and depressive disorder. The systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Nine articles met the eligibility criteria. Disparities in α-diversity and β-diversity of the microbiota existed in people with depression compared to healthy controls. At the phylum level, there were inconsistencies in the abundance of , , . However, high abundance in and phyla were observed in people with depression. On the family level, high abundance of , , , , , , , , , , , , , low abundance of , , , , , , and were observed in people with depression. On the genus level, high abundance of , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and low abundance of , , , , , , , and were found in people with depression. Alteration of gut microbiome patterns was evident in people with depression. Further evidence is warranted to allow for the translation of microbiome findings toward innovative clinical strategies that may improve treatment outcomes in people with depression.

Address: School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.; Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.; School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00541