Home-based exercise training influences gut bacterial levels in multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis is associated with gut microbiome alterations. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of home-based exercise on gut bacteria in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). We also examined the association of exercise-induced gut bacterial modulation with circulating levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Materials and methods: Forty-two people with MS (female/male: 31/11, expanded disability scale status <5) participated in this study and were divided into two groups: 6 months of home-based exercise (5 sessions per week) and controls. Before and after the intervention, the following parameters were assessed: gut microbiota, including faecalibacterium prausnitzii, akkermansia muciniphila, prevotella and bacteroides counts; cytokine levels including interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha); and psychosocial factors including anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Results: Home-based exercise significantly increased prevotella counts, and decreased akkermansia muciniphila counts (p < 0.05); however, there were no significant effects on faecalibacterium prausnitzii and bacteroides counts (p > 0.05). There were no significant effects of home-based exercise on circulating cytokine levels (p > 0.05). Moreover, home-based exercise was associated with significant improvements in anxiety and depression (p < 0.05); however, fatigue revealed no significant change (p > 0.05). Akkermansia muciniphila, prevotella and bacteroides count changes in response to the intervention were correlated with changes in IL-10 (r = -0.052, r = 0.67, and r = -0.55, respectively). Conclusion: In general, our data revealed the effect of exercise on gut bacteria, especially prevotella, and akkermansia muciniphila counts, which can probably have a beneficial effect on MS disease pathology and course; however, the lack of changes in cytokines following exercise suggests the possible role of mechanisms other than modulation of circulating IL-10 and TNF- alpha levels.

Automated summary

Home-based exercise has a significant impact on gut bacteria in people with multiple sclerosis, particularly on prevotella and akkermansia muciniphila counts, which may benefit MS disease pathology and course. However, the lack of changes in circulating cytokine levels following exercise suggests the involvement of mechanisms other than modulation of IL-10 and TNF-alpha levels.