Characteristics of gut microbiota in middle-aged and elderly overweight/obese women based on body composition data

Abstract

Objective To investigate the correlation of gut microbiota with body composition of fat and muscle in middle-aged and elderly overweight/obese women. Methods A total of 75 middle-aged and elderly overweight/obese women were subjected from communities in Suzhou City from September 2019 to October 2020. Their basic information were collected, and dietary survey was completed. Physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE) was used to assess the intensity of physical activity. Body composition data was measured by bioelectrical impedance measurement. Fecal samples were collected from some volunteers from them and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted to screen the bacterial community. Statistical software was used to establish multiple linear regression analysis models to analyze the correlation between gut microbiota and the relevant indexes of human fat and muscle, adjusted for age, height, physical activity, protein intake, fat intake and carbohydrate intake as covariates. Results There were 24 operational taxonomic units (OTU) screened out with multiple linear regression models. The adjusted results showed EtOH8 family and some genera of the family, Epulopiscium were positively correlated with body fat mass (FAT), while Oscillospira, Lactococcus, Scardovia and some genera of Trichospira were negatively correlated with fat mass ratio (FMR). In terms of muscle, Lachnobacterium was negatively correlated with soft lean mass (SLM), while the other 14 flora, including Thermaceae, Meiothermus and Kocuria etc. were positively correlated with SLM. Conclusion Gut microbiota is significantly correlated with body fat and muscle related indicators in middle-aged and elderly overweight/obese women. Some specific flora may have positive effects on fat or muscle.

Keywords

• obesity
• gut microbiota
• body composition
• middle-aged and elderly
• fat mass
• muscle mass
• fat free mass