Effects of gut microbiota and nutrients on pain perception and exercise induced hypoalgesia

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K11376
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya Gakuin University
• Principal Investigator: Shiro Yukiko 名古屋学院大学, リハビリテーション学部, 教授 (30440663)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 腸内細菌 / 痛覚感受性 / 性差

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The relationship between the composition of the gut microbiota (GM) and pain sensitivity was studied in healthy subjects. In men, lower levels of Bacteroidetes phylum and higher levels of Firmicutes phylum were associated with lower pain sensitivity. In women, on the other hand, higher levels of GM diversity were associated with lower pain sensitivity, and the relationship between the prevalence of the major phylum and pain was not clear. In addition, the relationship between pain sensitivity, nutrient intake, and GM composition was not clear in healthy subjects. The relationship between exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) and GM composition suggested that those whose levels of butyrate-producing bacteria and bifidobacteria decreased due to exercise may be more likely to have EIH. It was also suggested that EIH may be more likely to be obtained in those with lower levels of actinobacterial phylum before exercise intervention.

Free Research Field

疼痛

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の結果から、痛みの感受性にも腸内細菌叢の組成が関与していることが明らかとなった。またその関係は性別で異なっていた。さらに、運動による鎮痛効果にも腸内細菌の組成が影響している可能性が示唆された。このことから、痛みの治療や予防において腸内環境の改善や正常化が有効である可能性が考えられる。また、これらの関係において性差を配慮する必要性が示された点はとても興味深い。