Relationships between the gut microbiome and brain functional alterations in first-episode, drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder.

Objective: Increasing evidence has shown that the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGB) is involved in the mechanism of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the relationship between the gut microbiome and brain function in MDD patients has not been determined. Here, we intend to identify specific changes in the gut microbiome and brain function in first-episode, drug-naïve MDD patients and then explore the associations between the two omics to elucidate how the MGB axis plays a role in MDD development.

Gut Microbiota Changes in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Treated With Vortioxetine.

Vortioxetine hydrobromide is a common clinical medication for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it remains unclear whether vortioxetine hydrobromide acts by affecting the structure and composition of gut microbiota. Here, we analyzed fecal samples from 28 healthy controls (HCs) and 26 patients with MDD before treatment with vortioxetine hydrobromide, at 4 weeks after treatment, and at 8 weeks after treatment.