The microbes in our gut have far-reaching effects on our health and the gut flora is apparently also linked to sleep disorders in the form of obstructive sleep apnea. While some gut microbiota are associated with an increased risk, others have a protective effect, which could also be used for prevention and therapy.
In a recent study, a Chinese research team investigated possible causal relationships between the intestinal flora and obstructive sleep apnea and found clear interactions. The study results have been published in the journal “Frontiers in Microbiology”.
Intestinal flora influences sleep
Various previous studies have already suggested links between the intestinal flora and sleep, and a 2021 study, for example, concluded that intestinal bacteria influence sleep even in infants.
A clinical association between gut microbiota and obstructive sleep apnea has also been observed, but the extent to which this is a causal link has remained unclear, explains the research team.
Causal relationships investigated
The researchers therefore examined possible causal relationships using genetic data on the gut microbiota from the MiBioGen consortium and the Dutch Microbiome Project as well as data on obstructive sleep apnea from the FinnGen project and the Million Veteran Program.
Using so-called Mendelian randomization and further analyses, the experts examined potential causal effects of the intestinal microbiota on obstructive sleep apnea and, conversely, the influence of obstructive sleep apnea on the composition of the intestinal flora.
Interactions with intestinal bacteria
“We identified potential causal relationships between 23 gut microbiota and obstructive sleep apnea,” the researchers report.
After further adjustments, the intestinal bacteria Eubacterium xylanophilum, Bifidobacterium longum and Parabacteroides merdae in particular showed a negative association with obstructive sleep apnea, according to the experts. These bacteria therefore appear to protect against sleep disorders.
The reverse analysis revealed that obstructive sleep apnea was associated with 20 intestinal microbiota, particularly the intestinal bacteria of the genus Anaerostipes.
Potential for therapy and treatment
According to the researchers, the study provides clear evidence of potential bidirectional causal relationships between the intestinal flora and obstructive sleep apnea.
The experts conclude that the new findings could also enable the prevention and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea using specific intestinal microbiota in the future. (fp)