Associations between fecal short-chain fatty acids, plasma inflammatory cytokines, and dietary markers with depression and anxiety: Post hoc analysis of the ENGAGE-2 pilot trial.

Background: The microbiome-gut-brain-axis (MGBA) is emerging as an important mechanistic link between diet and mental health. The role of significant modifiers of the MGBA, including gut microbial metabolites and systemic inflammation, in individuals comorbid with obesity and mental disorders, is under-investigated.

Objectives: This exploratory analysis examined associations among microbial metabolites-fecal SCFAs, plasma inflammatory cytokines, and diet with depression and anxiety scores in adults comorbid with obesity and depression.