To investigate variations in primary aldosteronism (PA) associated with the gut microbiome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Approach:
Methods: Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and untargeted fecal metabolomic profiling were performed to analyze microbial gene richness, taxonomic composition, functional potential, and antibiotic resistance gene profiles.
Key Findings:
No strong group-level separation in global gut microbial diversity across OSA severity strata.
Exploratory associations found between selective genera and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
Marked inter-individual variability in antibiotic resistance gene profiles without clear group-level separation.
Fecal metabolomic profiling revealed nominal phenotype-associated differences, but no individual metabolite remained significant after correction.
Interpretation:
Gut microbiome-associated heterogeneity in PA with coexisting OSA is reflected by specific taxonomic and metabolic signals.
Limitations:
Small sample size.
Limited control of clinical and lifestyle confounders.
Lack of metabolite-level significance after global FDR correction.
Conclusion:
Findings are exploratory and require validation in larger controlled cohorts.
