A Bacteroides strain derived from humans reduces depressive-like behaviors in a rat model subjected to social defeat stress - Summary - MDSpire

A Bacteroides strain derived from humans reduces depressive-like behaviors in a rat model subjected to social defeat stress

  • By

  • Marisol I. Dothard

  • Mariaelena Caboni

  • Daniel Norment

  • Nolan Sigmund

  • Sarah M. Allard

  • Jack A. Gilbert

  • Ekaterina Gavrish

  • Gabriel Al-Ghalith

  • Andre Der-Avakian

  • Philip Strandwitz

  • March 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To investigate the effects of oral administration of a human-derived GABA-producing Bacteroides salyersiae strain (HB32) on depressive-like behaviors in a rat model of social defeat stress.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Oral administration of B. salyersiae HB32 significantly reduced depressive-like behaviors in rats subjected to social defeat stress.
    • The effects of B. salyersiae HB32 were comparable to those of ketamine.
    • Mechanistic analyses indicated alterations in gut-brain communication pathways.
    Interpretation:

    The findings suggest that the gut microbiome, specifically B. salyersiae HB32, may play a therapeutic role in managing depressive-like behaviors, potentially through GABA production and modulation of the gut-brain axis.

    Limitations:
    • The study was conducted in a rat model, which may not fully replicate human depression.
    • Long-term effects and safety of B. salyersiae HB32 in humans remain to be established.
    Conclusion:

    B. salyersiae HB32 shows promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for depression, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

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