Microbiome: A Discrete Influencer of Running Behavior?

Abstract

IntroLiterature establishes conserved changes in the gut microbiome (GMB) correlated with behavior.1 Using voluntary running, we tested if GMB variability explains differences in voluntary exercise using a rat model.MethodsCohabitating male rats were randomized into running (n=8) and sedentary (n=3) groups and placed in individual cages. Running wheel access was withheld for a week. The running group received free access to the wheels for 27 days. Daily and cumulative distances were recorded with weekly fecal collection for 16s amplification and sequencing. Terminal seven‐day distances stratified rats into high (8341‐10209 m/wk) and low (1763‐5201 m/wk) groups. Analysis was done in QIIME2 and R.ResultsAt randomization, alpha‐diversity (AD) was similar between sedentary, low, and high runners (ANOVA, F = 2.812, Pr(>F) = .065). Shannon diversity showed significant correlation with daily distance and an interaction running subgroup (high v. low, MLM, int = ‐6,778, Shannon est. = 2498±118, low running interaction = ‐2135±217). Across all samples, there was a significant correlation between AD and distance (Pearson correlation, p <0.001, corr = 0.41).Fixed slope random intercept modelling showed a significant relationship between distance and phyla abundance. Verrucomicrobia (MLM, int = 3610, est. 294925±142844, p = 0.048), and Saccharibacteria (MLM, int = 3342, est. 3830783±1245092, p = 0.005) showed significant increases in beta‐diversity. Actinobacteria (MLM, int 5634, est. =45608±13682) was negatively associated with distance.DiscussionOur findings that voluntary distances run was associated with increases in microbiome richness supports the importance of ecosystem diversity to support host function. This is consistent with previous research which establishes the role of increasing AD with broad improvements in performance.Decreased Verrucomicrobia is associated with the development of metabolic diseases, which are associated with decreased running behaviors.2 Verrucomicrobia and Actinobacteria impact gut homeostasis by modulating permeability, immune and inflammatory responses at the mucosal level.3 Analysis is ongoing and may influence these findings. Further research is needed on the impact of these changes to determine their effect on the overall health of the organism.