MICROBIAL MEDIATORS OF INSULIN RESISTANCE: A GUT-CENTRIC APPROACH

Abstract

Background

Insulin Resistance (IR) is a major pathological cause of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence points to the gut microbiota as a crucial environmental factor modulating host metabolism.

Methodology

This case-control research investigated at gut microbial profiles related with insulin resistance. We included 150 adults: 75 IR patients (HOMA-IR >2.5) and 75 non-IR controls (HOMA-IR ≤ 2.5). Faecal samples underwent 165 rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4).  Alpha diversity was assessed through Shannon index, beta diversity through Bray-Curtis dissimilarlity (PERMANOVA), and differential taxa through LEfSe. Multivariate regression adjusted for age, BMI, and diet.

Results

Alpha diversity was significantly lowered in the IR group (p=0.008). Beta diversity (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity) was significantly lowered in the group (p=0.002). bacteroides, Ruminococcus ganavus, and Escherichia/Shigella were shown to be enriched in insulin resistance using liner discriminate analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) (LDA score>3.0, p<0.05). In contarast, faecalibacterium prausnitzii, AKKermasia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium spp. were decreased in IR. Multivariate regression, which Controlled for age, BMI, and nutrition, revealed significant relationship between certain taxa and HOMA-IR. Bacteroides abundance had an Unfavourable association (β=-0.28,p=0.003).

Conclusion

These findings emphasise the gut microbiomes role in IR pathogenesis with various bacterial taxa identified as possible treatment targets or indicators for metabolic dysfunction.