Association between Lung Function and Gut Microbiota in a Population-Based Cohort

Abstract

Background: The gut microbiota has been known to affect lung immunity and inflammation. Interactions between the gut microbiota and lung, called the gut-lung axis, might influence lung function. However, it is unclear whether dysbiosis of the gut microbiota correlates with lung function. The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether there is an association between the gut microbiota and lung function in Korean population. Methods: This research was performed using spirometry data and sequencing data of the 16S rRNA gene in 1,307 adults. We tested differences in the overall microbial composition and taxa abundance according to forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted. Statistical analyses were performed while controlling for potential confounders such as smoking history and correcting for multiple testing. Findings: As FEV1 % predicted decreased, the phylogenetic diversity index of the gut microbiota, one of the alpha diversity indices, was reduced. The abundance Fusobacteriaceae increased as FEV1 % predicted decreased (q-value <0.05), whereas abundance of Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcacea, and Oscillospira, belonging to the family Ruminococcacea decreased. Interpretation: This study is one of the first and largest to examine the association between lung function and the gut microbiota in a population-based cohort. We demonstrated that even with a slight decrease in FEV1 % predicted, the phylogenetic diversity of the gut microbiota decreased and microbial taxa significantly changed. Funding: This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF- 2017R1D1A1B03035501 and NRF-2016R1A6A3A11932719), the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare (HI14C0072) and the NRF grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT; Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning) (2010-0027945). Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: This study’s protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kangbook Samsung Hospital (KBSMC 2013-01-245-12) and Ewha Mokdong Hospital (EUMC 2017-08-037-001), Seoul, Korea. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants after the nature and possible consequences of the studies were explained. All applicable institutional and governmental regulations concerning the ethical use of human volunteers were followed during this study. Research was carried out in accordance with the Helsinki declaration.