Association between Gut Microbiota and Body Composition in Japanese General Population: A Focus on Gut Microbiota and Skeletal Muscle
Yoshikuni Sugimura, Akira Kanda, Kaori Sawada, Kyi Mar Wai, Asano Tanabu, Naoki Ozato, Tatsuyuki Midorikawa, Takayoshi Hisada, Shigeyuki Nakaji, Kazushige Ihara
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the gut microbial genera associated with skeletal muscle mass, using a large-scale survey from the standpoint of preventing sarcopenia. A total of 848 participants were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) ages of men (n = 353) and women (n = 495) were 50.0 (12.9) years and 50.8 (12.8) years, respectively. Body composition was assessed using appendicular skeletal muscle mass/body weight (ASM/BW), ASM, and BW. Additionally, the relationship between gut microbial genera and body composition was analyzed. The means (SD) of ASM/BW were 34.9 (2.4) % in men and 29.4 (2.9) % in women. Blautia and Bifidobacterium were positively associated with ASM/BW only in men (Blautia: β = 0.0003, Bifidobacterium: β = 0.0001). However, Blautia was negatively associated with BW (β = −0.0017). Eisenbergiella was positively associated with ASM/BW (β = 0.0209) and negatively associated with BW (β = −0.0769) only in women. Our results indicate that Blautia, Bifidobacterium and Eisenbergiella, which are positively associated with ASM/BW, might help increase skeletal muscle mass. ASM/BW may clarify the relationship between gut microbiota and skeletal muscle mass without being affected by obesity or excess body fat mass.