Markers of metabolic health and gut microbiome diversity: findings from two population-based cohort studies

• DOI: 10.1007/s00125-021-05464-w
• Publication Date: 2021-06-10T10:04:33Z
• Authors: Semi Zouiouich; Erikka Loftfield; Inge Huybrechts; Vivian Viallon; Panayiotis Louca; Emily Vogtmann; Philippa M. Wells; Claire J. Steves; Karl-Heinz Herzig; Cristina Menni; Marjo-Riitta Jarv...; Rashmi Sinha; Marc J. Gunter
• Keywords: Quartile

Abstract Aims/hypothesis The gut microbiome is hypothesised to be related insulin resistance and other metabolic variables. However, data from population-based studies are limited. We investigated associations between serologic measures of health the in Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) TwinsUK cohort. Methods Among 506 individuals NFBC1966 with available faecal (16S rRNA gene sequence) data, we estimated diversity metrics levels HOMA for (HOMA-IR), HbA 1c C-reactive protein (CRP) using multivariable linear regression models adjusted sex, smoking status BMI. Associations HOMA-IR CRP were replicated 1140 adult participants TwinsUK, data. For both cohorts, used general a quasi-Poisson distribution Microbiome Regression-based Kernel Association Test (MiRKAT) estimate variables alpha- beta metrics, respectively, generalised additive location scale shape (GAMLSS) fitted zero-inflated identify taxa associated markers. Results In NFBC1966, alpha was lower higher mean 74.4 (95% CI 70.7, 78.3) amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) first quartile 66.6 62.9, 70.4) fourth HOMA-IR. Alpha also (number ASVs Shannon’s diversity, p < 0.001 = 0.003, respectively) ASVs, 0.025), even after adjustment BMI potential confounders. among CRP. When considering measures, found that microbial community profiles multivariate MiRKAT models, binomial deviance dissimilarity values <0.001. GAMLSS relative abundances individual genera Prevotella Blautia cohorts. Conclusions/interpretation Overall, HOMA-IR, These results two distinct cohorts provide evidence an association diversity. Further experimental mechanistic insights now needed understanding causal mechanisms may link microbiota health. Graphical abstract