The characteristics of gut microbiota composition in patients with depression and relationship with clinical symptoms

Objective This study was conducted to explore the differences in gut microbiota composition between patients with depressive disorders and healthy individuals, and provide potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of depressive disorders. Methods Healthy controls (HC) (n = 31), MDD baseline groups (n = 56), MDD follow-up group were included (n = 22). The composition of gut microbiota was detected by sequencing the V3−V4 region fragments of the 16S rRNA gene in feces. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is employed to assess the clinical symptoms of the research subjects. Statistical analyses were conducted using α-diversity test, β-diversity test, t-test, chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test. Results 13 differential genera were identified between the HC group and the MDD baseline group, while 6 differential genera were identified in the comparison between the MDD baseline group and follow-up group. Among these, Bacteroides , Parabacteroides , and Lachnospiraceae show promise as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of MDD. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that there are various gut microbiota communities exhibiting significant differences between healthy individuals and patients with depressive disorders, and it provides valuable insights for further research on the biomarkers for diagnosing depression.