Gut microbiota and metabolites are linked to disease progression in multiple sclerosis

Highlights
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Gut microbes are linked to 2-year changes in MS disability, MRI, and quality of life
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Serum and stool metabolites are linked to the development of progressive MS
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Subjects who worsened are missing potentially beneficial microbial metabolites

 

 

Summary

 

Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease with limited understanding of the biology associated with transition from relapsing to progressive disease. Intestinal microbes and metabolites are altered in MS, but relation to disease progression is largely unknown.

 

We investigate microbiota and metabolites in subjects with stable MS, those who worsened, and in those with relapsing MS who became progressive over 2 years. We find that Eubacterium hallii, Butyricoccaceae, Blautia, and other short-chain fatty-acid-producing microbes have beneficial associations with worsening of disability, 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures, cognition, and quality of life, while Alistipes is detrimentally associated.

 

Global metabolomics identified serum and stool metabolites that are altered in progressive MS and in relapsing subjects who transitioned to progressive disease. Most fecal metabolites associated with disease progression are decreased, suggesting a deficiency of protective factors in the gut. Using a unique MS cohort, our findings identify gut microbiome and metabolite pathways influencing progressive MS.

 

 

For more information:

Schwerdtfeger LA, Montini F, Lanser TB, et al. Gut microbiota and metabolites are linked to disease progression in multiple sclerosis. Cell Rep Med. 2025;6(4):102055. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102055