Characterization of Gut Microbiome Composition in Depression and Completed Suicide

Kozhakhmetov S. Kossumov A. Zhakupova T. Polyakova T. Imambayeva N. Syzdykova B. Rakhmankulova A. Dalibayeva G. Kovenskiy A. Jarmukhanov Z. Issilbayeva A. Vinogradova E. Kushugulova A.
May 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2025 #26 Issue 10

Growing evidence supports a bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and mental health. This study investigated the association between gut microbiota, depression, and suicidal behavior by analyzing fecal samples from 35 individuals with varying depression levels and 36 completed suicide cases. Standardized psychometric assessments were used for depression evaluation. Analysis revealed significant taxonomic differences between groups, with increased abundance of Firmicutes, Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, Blautia, and Dorea in suicide cases, which also positively correlated with depression severity. Metabolic pathway analysis demonstrated a notable dichotomy: suicide cases showed elevated pathways related to infection processes, inflammation, and antibiotic resistance, while the control group exhibited higher energy metabolism and vitamin synthesis pathways. The findings establish specific microbiome profiles associated with both depression symptoms and suicidal behavior, suggesting that gut dysbiosis may influence mental health through altered energy metabolism and inflammatory processes, potentially offering new perspectives for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

depression , energy metabolism , Firmicutes , gut microbiome , gut–brain axis , inflammation , Lachnospiraceae , mental health , metabolic pathways , suicide

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Laboratory of Microbiome, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Astana, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Society of Human Microbiome Researchers, Z00, Astana, T2C6, Kazakhstan
Department of Forensic Medicine, NJSC, Astana Medical University, Astana, Z01G6C5, Kazakhstan
Research Institute of Forensic Examinations of the State Enterprise, Center for Forensic Examinations of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Z00X8P9, Kazakhstan
Multidisciplinary City Hospital No. 1, Astana, Z01F7K6, Kazakhstan
Interdisciplinary Sports Research, Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius Federal Territory, Sochi, 354340, Russian Federation

Laboratory of Microbiome
Kazakhstan Society of Human Microbiome Researchers
Department of Forensic Medicine
Research Institute of Forensic Examinations of the State Enterprise
Multidisciplinary City Hospital No. 1
Interdisciplinary Sports Research

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