Improved psychosocial measures associated with physical activity may be explained by alterations in brain-gut microbiome signatures
Year: 2023
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Obesity contributes to physical comorbidities and mental health consequences. We explored whether physical activity could influence more than metabolic regulation and result in psychological benefits through the brain-gut microbiome (BGM) system in a population with high BMI. Fecal samples were obtained for 16 s rRNA profiling and fecal metabolomics, along with psychological and physical activity questionnaires. Whole brain resting-state functional MRI was acquired, and brain connectivity metrics were calculated. Higher physical activity was significantly associated with increased connectivity in inhibitory appetite control brain regions, while lower physical activity was associated with increased emotional regulation network connections. Higher physical activity was also associated with microbiome and metabolite signatures protective towards mental health and metabolic derangements. The greater resilience and coping, and lower levels of food addiction seen with higher physical activity, may be explained by BGM system differences. These novel findings provide an emphasis on the psychological and resilience benefits of physical activity, beyond metabolic regulation and these influences seem to be related to BGM interactions.
Source: Scientific Reports
Institutions: University of California, Los Angeles, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, University of Southern California, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,390
Awards: Role of Inflammatory Processes in Reward Network Alterations in Obesity, Role of the Gut Microbiome in Reward Network Alterations in Obesity, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, G9000023563, G9000165814, G9000312089, Gastroenterology, Social Isolation and Discrimination as Stressors Influencing Brain-Gut Microbiome Alterations among Filipino and Mexican American, UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute
OpenAlex ID: W4382141106