Comparison of the gut microbiome composition among individuals with acute or long-standing spinal cord injury vs. able-bodied controls

The study compares the gut bacteria of people with recent spinal cord injuries (A-SCI), long-term injuries (L-SCI), and those without injuries (AB controls). The balance of gut bacteria is important for overall health. The study found that the types of bacteria present differed among the three groups. Those with spinal cord injuries had gut bacteria profiles that shared features linked to metabolic syndrome, inflammation, depressive disorders, or antibiotic use. The gut microbiome resembles an endocrine organ. The composition and function of gut microbial communities are fluid, modulated by a plethora of environmental and host genetic factors.

• 1
  The gut microbiome composition differs significantly among individuals with A-SCI, L-SCI, and AB controls, as demonstrated by differences in both the alpha- and beta-diversity indices.
• 2
  Compared to the AB controls, microbiome composition in the SCI groups share features linked to metabolic syndrome, inflammation-related bowel disorders, depressive disorders, or antibiotics use.
• 3
  Compared to A-SCI and AB control groups, individuals with L-SCI share features linked to physical inactivity.