Association of skeletal muscle function, quantity, and quality with gut microbiota in Japanese adults: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

AimThe gut microbiota has emerged as a new intervention target for sarcopenia. Prior studies in humans have focused on the association between gut microbiota and skeletal muscle quantity, while the evidence on muscle function and quality is lacking. This study aimed to identify gut microbiota genera associated with skeletal muscle function, quantity, and quality in a general population of Japanese adults.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 164 participants aged 35–80 years, women and men recruited from urban areas of Japan. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Skeletal muscle function was measured using handgrip strength and leg extension power (LEP), while skeletal muscle mass was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Phase angle was used as a measure of skeletal muscle quality. Multivariate linear regression analysis stratified by age group was used to examine the association between the dominant genera of the gut microbiota and skeletal muscle variables.ResultsA significant association was found between Bacteroides and Prevotella 9 with LEP only in the ≥60 years group. When both Bacteroides and Prevotella 9 were included in the same regression model, only Bacteroides remained consistently and significantly associated with LEP. No significant associations were observed between skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, and phase angle and major gut microbiota genera.ConclusionsIn this study, we observed a significant positive association between Bacteroides and leg muscle function in older adults. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking Bacteroides to lower‐extremity muscle function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 53–60.

Glyphosate exposure, muscular health and functional limitations in middle-aged and older adults.

“…Studies on animal models consistently reveal a significant connection between gut microbiota and both muscle mass and muscle fiber structure (Ticinesi et al, 2019), while a few human studies have shown positive correlations between microbiota composition and grip strength (Zhao et al, 2023), leg muscle function (Iwasaka et al, 2023) or muscle mass (Yamamoto et al, 2022).…”

An Exploratory Study on Seasonal Variation in the Gut Microbiota of Athletes: Insights from Japanese Handball Players

“…For example, certain characteristics of the gut microbiota, such as higher alpha-diversity and butyrate-producing bacteria, have been linked with maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max), an indicator of aerobic capacity [8]. Additionally, a significant positive correlation between Bacteroides and leg extension power has been reported in older Japanese individuals [9]. Therefore, understanding the gut microbiota is crucial because it could potentially influence athletic performance.…”

Seasonal Variation in the Gut Microbiota of Athletes: A Comparative Study of Japanese Handball Players

“…For example, certain characteristics of the gut microbiota, such as higher alpha-diversity and butyrate-producing bacteria, have been linked with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), an indicator of aerobic capacity [8]. Additionally, a significant positive correlation between Bacteroides and leg extension power has been reported in Japanese older individuals [9]. Therefore, understanding the gut microbiota is crucial because it could potentially influence athletic performance.…”